Coogee has been identified as the Sydney ocean beach most polluted with faecal matter, according to an annual state survey. The 2026 State of the Beaches report, conducted by New South Wales' environment department, found that 43 out of 245 swimming sites across the state, representing 17.6%, received a rating of "poor" or "very poor".
Coogee's "poor" grading, which remains unchanged from the previous year, suggests that its microbial water quality is vulnerable to faecal pollution, especially following rainfall and occasionally during dry conditions. Professor Stuart Khan, a water quality expert at the University of Sydney, stated that Coogee's rating was expected and largely dependent on weather.
Stormwater runoff is a primary cause of bacterial pollution, carrying contaminants such as dog waste and bird droppings. Sydney's sewer systems are also designed to overflow during heavy rain, discharging into stormwater drains that flow into the ocean or waterways. Professor Khan explained that Coogee's steep catchment and semi-protected bay status contribute to its slower flushing and recovery after rain, making it more prone to contamination.
While 97% of ocean beaches across NSW achieved a "good" or "very good" rating, and 79% of all swimming sites (including rivers, lagoons, and tidal pools) received these higher ratings, several other Sydney locations also fared poorly. Foreshores beach and Gymea Bay baths were the only two Sydney sites to receive "very poor" ratings, alongside Yosemite Creek in the Blue Mountains. The government advises against swimming at "very poor" sites and notes that water quality at "poor" sites is often unsuitable, particularly after rain.