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We're committed to solutions
We're taking critical action to reduce the likelihood of debris balls washing up on NSW coastal beaches and Botany Bay beaches.
Where debris balls come from
Investigations indicate that debris balls that washed up on beaches over the past 12 months most likely came from our network. For coastal beaches, we've identified the Malabar deep ocean outfall. For beaches in Botany Bay, we've identified the Mill Stream Emergency Release Structure.
Debris balls are made up of soap scum, cosmetics, traces of bacteria commonly associated with wastewater, petroleum hydrocarbons, human hair and fatty acids. They probably formed due to an increased load of fats, oils and greases accumulating in the wastewater system over time. Oceanographic factors and weather conditions played a role in why they appeared on our beaches.
Our commitment to you
Our ongoing commitment to waterway protection, pollution prevention and water recycling initiatives is crucial for safeguarding the health of our coastal and bay environments, and securing a clean, sustainable water supply for Greater Sydney communities.
We remain fully committed to working transparently with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), councils, government agencies and the community, keeping everyone informed as new findings emerge during the ongoing investigation. Protecting the environment is our priority. We take the findings of these investigations seriously and are committed to addressing the issue openly and proactively.
If you still have concerns, we're happy to discuss them with you. Please call us on 13 20 92 8am–5:30pm Monday to Friday (except public holidays).
How we aim to prevent future events
New programs
We're introducing new programs to help reduce the amount of fats, oils and grease entering the wastewater system. Through education, engagement and practical support, we can help households and businesses adopt better disposal practices.
Improved infrastructure and facilities
We're investing in improvements, including:
- Upgrades to inland wastewater treatment assets through the Malabar System Investment Program (MSIP). The MSIP will increase capacity across the network to meet population growth, improve treatment performance and reduce discharge from the Malabar deep ocean outfall.
- Upgrades to Cronulla and Quakers Hill Water Resource Recovery Facilities, including secondary treatment enhancements. This will ease pressure on existing infrastructure, reduce reliance on existing deep ocean outfalls and deliver better environmental outcomes.
- Recycled water schemes to ease pressure on our coastal facilities and reduce pollution. This will lower the volume of wastewater that needs to be treated and released into the ocean.
How we'll support councils
We recognise the financial burden clean-up efforts have placed on local councils. We're committed to support them with these costs.
Based on analysis of tides and winds, we'll review claims for clean-up costs from these local government areas:
- Central Coast
- Northern Beaches
- Bayside
- Waverley
- Randwick City
- Sutherland Shire
- Wollongong
- Kiama.
If more debris balls wash up on beaches in the future, we'll take the lead in coordinating clean-up efforts with councils and the EPA. Please contact us if you wish to claim for damages.