Publications

• Water Quality and Stormwater Pollution
• But What Can I Do to Keep the Sea Clean?
• So Go on... Do Something!
• Cool Web Sites

Australia's coasts and oceans are fun, free and full of life. Where would Australians be without their beaches? Just think what it would be like if we couldn't go surfing, snorkeling or swimming because the water was polluted; or if we couldn't make sandcastles or play on the beach because it wasn't safe? Coasts and oceans are for everyone and time is running out.

Water quality and stormwater pollution

Most people think stormwater is just what it sounds like - water from storms. But the real truth is that it is not only pure rainwater - it contains anything and everything that is carried along the way. So when water trickles down the pipes on your roof and flows down your driveway, road or footpath - it carries with it all kinds of things.

Did you know that stormwater ends up in Australia's largest swimming pools - our rivers, harbours and oceans? Just imagine how disgusting it would be to swim in a bath full of milk cartons, cigarettes, chip packets, grass, and washing up detergent. Well if you think that is bad, just think how the fish, frogs and other animals and plants feel - to them it is their home, not just their pool or bath.

But what can I do to keep the sea clean?

• If you carry it in to the beach, carry it out.
• Don't let turps or paint, fats, oils or milk go down the drain - the drain is just for rain.
• Don't leave compost, mulch leaves or grass clippings in the gutter.
• Know which fish you can take home and which you should throw back.
• Use the beach, not the sand dunes, when you are picnicking or playing.
• Leave rock-pool animals and plants in the water and return any overturned rocks to their original position.
• Spread the word. Tell everyone about how important it is to look after our coasts.

So go on... do something!

There is so much that you can do to help - join a Coastcare group, contact your local Environment Protection Agency for a guide to exotics, follow the tips above and most importantly spread the word.

Cool web sites

• Waterwatch
• Coastcare