Gerringong residents claim a deterioration of water quality and excessive stench emanating from the catchment area at Werri Lagoon. In mid-December, many residents started reporting their concerns regarding the noticeable deterioration of the water quality and the excessive stench emanating from the catchment area as you drove over the Omega Bridge and walked in the vicinity of the catchment.
The smell has been going on since the end of November/beginning of December and the water quality has just been getting worse and worse.
Roughly every six weeks council would dredge the lagoon out, and there’s never had a major issue but lately, the deterioration is just so noticeable.
Kiama council general manager Michael Forsyth said council has received complaints regarding odours emanating from Werri Lagoon. The odours are the result of the recent dry weather, warmer temperatures and the closure of the lagoon to the sea.
Council has consulted the Office of Environment and Heritage regarding opening the mouth of the lagoon. The advice received is that draining the lagoon will potentially exacerbate the problem.
The management plan for Werri Lagoon is currently being reviewed. As general advice, which would apply to any lagoon, swimming in the lagoon is not advised when closed, during an extended dry period or within 48 hours of rainfall.