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Sydney beaches deserted after violent storms bring pollution.

Several of Sydney's beaches were deserted on Wednesday after storms caused major pollution across the eastern suburbs and the northern beaches.

The NSW government has issued warnings about debris and faecal contamination for many parts of Sydney's coast, encouraging members of the public not to go swimming.

North Curl Curl and Tamarama beaches were officially closed due to the likely possibility of pollution and dangerous surf conditions, while warnings to avoid swimming were issued for many other popular beaches, including Manly, Collaroy, Bondi, Bronte and Coogee beach. 

      

Only 4 out of 62 beaches in the Sydney and Pittwater regions were reported to have no pollution in the water. 

The NSW Office of Environment & Heritage said on its website that "the most obvious signs of stormwater pollution are water discolouration as well as debris in the water and on the tide line".

The possible diseases a person can be exposed to when swimming in polluted waters include gastroenteritis, ear, nose and throat infection and in more serious instances, deep tissue or blood infections. 

Proficiency Testing Australia (PTA) provides Sea Waters proficiency testing program. 

For more information about the above sea water PT program, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Resource: Charles Goodsir, http://www.smh.com.au 10 Jan 2018