Early 2026 testing gives agencies a baseline for future checks

A 2026 water quality snapshot found low contaminant levels across the Nambucca River catchment.

In early 2026, the assessment covered the Nambucca River and its tributaries. The NSW Environment Protection Authority led the work with the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and Nambucca Shire Council.

Officers tested for more than 200 common contaminants, including pesticides, pharmaceuticals, PFAS and metals.

No pesticides or pharmaceuticals were detected above the limit of reporting. Some metals appeared at elevated levels, although the EPA linked those results to naturally occurring soils or vehicles.

More than 200 contaminants tested

PFAS was detected at some sample sites. However, all detections were below available recreational and ecological guidelines.

EPA Director of Incident Management and Environmental Health Jacinta Hanemann said the results provide a baseline for future monitoring and ongoing environment protection work in the catchment.

“The Nambucca River is an important environmental and cultural asset with diverse aquatic and marine habitats and deep significance for local Aboriginal communities,” Ms Hanemann said.

She said the area is popular for fishing and other recreational activities for locals and visitors.

Meanwhile, the EPA said the findings align with other monitoring in the region. A recent 12-month pesticides monitoring project found only one detection across four rounds of sampling in Nambucca waterways.

According to Ms Hanemann, the snapshot helps agencies understand catchment health, identify changes over time and target protection work where it is needed most.

Because it is a snapshot, the assessment shows conditions at the time of sampling only. It does not capture seasonal changes in water quality or other variables.

The NSW EPA released the results on 17 September 2026. More information is available from the agency.