A concerned Sunshine Coast resident is warning families to be wary of potential wastewater in a creek at a popular dog beach.
Bruce Willes, of Peregian Springs, urged people to steer clear of Stumers Creek at Coolum Beach after rain and implored Sunshine Coast Council to conduct “immediate” water quality tests.
The council and local water authority Unitywater said wastewater occasionally entered the waterway in extreme weather and extra signs were installed to inform the community.
But Mr Willes expressed concerns.
“Stumers Creek may be contaminated with raw sewage,” he said.
“Families with small children should be aware that, after a rain event, Stumers Creek may be contaminated with faecal matter, overflowing from sewage pumping stations on Stumers Creek.
“Ingestion of faecal contaminated water can cause very serious or even fatal illness in both people and dogs.”
“The Sunshine Coast Council should immediately initiate water quality monitoring and post prominent warning signs to indicate the water safety (status).”
Mr Willes said a man he knows moved from the area after his dog became sick because of the water in the creek.
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Unitywater acting executive manager customer delivery King Intrapaiboon said wastewater sometimes entered the creek and, when that happened, people were advised to stay clear.
“No wastewater pump stations release to a river or creek under normal operating conditions,” he said. “In the rare case of an extreme weather event or operational failure of a wastewater pump station, such as a blockage, it’s possible that wastewater could enter a waterway.
“Overflows are assessed by our crews and environmental team and where they are deemed to have an impact on the local community, we provide advice through a range of channels including precautionary signage at the waterway advising people not to swim.”
There have been two confirmed wet-weather overflows from a pump station near Stumers Creek this year: on March 29 and April 25.
The Stumers Creek mouth is a popular location for families and their pets at the Coolum Beach of beach, which is also the site of controversial proposed changes to dog access.
People regularly wade through the water and kids and dogs can be seen swimming there.
A council spokesperson said poor water quality “is not unusual” at Stumers Creek after rain.
“It is often caused by sediment and pollutants originating from the surrounding catchment area,” they said.
“These pollutants enter waterways through stormwater runoff, agricultural and industrial discharge, and urban development.
“Heavy rainfall and fast-moving water can also erode riverbanks, hillsides and other land surfaces, carrying soil, sand and silt into the floodwaters.”
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The spokesperson said council does not conduct water quality tests but that it works with Unitywater to “identify, reduce and inform the community about water quality issues from higher-risk sources such as leaks and overflows from urban sewer networks”.
“A sewer spill response procedure is in place,” they said.
“If a spill occurs, Unitywater deploys environment officers to assess site and take water samples and is responsible for notifying the public.”
Council has a permanent warning sign in place at Stumers Creek.
“Additional temporary signage is placed at the site, by Unitywater, if a spill or heavy rainfall causes sewer overflow into the creek,” the spokesperson said.
“Unitywater undertakes water sampling, and the monitoring continues until the receiving environment returns to acceptable levels, at which point the temporary signs are removed by Unitywater.”
The spokesperson said council also supported and promoted tips from the Healthy Land and Water Healthy Waterplay Program to minimise risks from swimming in natural waterways.
They include: avoid activities such as swimming, surfing and jet skiing during, and at least one day after, heavy rain in open waterways and beaches, and for at least three days in rivers, lakes and estuaries; always avoid swimming in or near stormwater drains; look out for indicators of pollution before entering waterways, including discoloured or strong-smelling water, and floating litter, scum or debris; avoid contact with waterways if you have an open cuts or infection; and look for posted warning signs and follow the advice on them.
