Water quality survey results show Lake Macquarie remains a healthy estuary

Lake Macquarie continues to rank among the healthiest estuaries in NSW, with annual results showing water quality remains high across the lake.

Results for 2025-2026 revealed all monitoring zones maintained the same grades recorded in the previous year, with the lake’s three basin zones and Swansea Channel achieving an A grade, placing them among the highest-performing estuary zones in NSW.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said the results reflected the long-term success of protecting and improving the lake’s health.

“Lake Macquarie is the heart of our city, and these results show it remains in excellent condition,” he said.

“We’ve seen strong, consistent water quality outcomes across the entire lake, despite the ongoing challenges that come with changing weather patterns and a growing population.”

“Maintaining a healthy lake is vital for recreation, tourism, the environment and our community’s quality of life.”

Lake Macquarie City Council undertakes the monitoring program in partnership with the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

Water quality is assessed each month at 13 sites across seven zones, with annual grades ranging from A (very good) to E (very poor).

The north, southeast and southwest lake basin zones, along with Swansea Channel, achieved A grades in 2025-2026. Cockle Creek, Dora Creek and Fennell Bay achieved B grades, indicating good ecological health.

Aerial view of Swansea Channel near Elizabeth Island and Naru Point

Rainfall continued to play a major role in lake conditions during the reporting period.

While higher-than-average rainfall in several months influenced underwater seagrass growth at some northern lake locations, improvements were recorded at southern sites including Wolstoncroft and Chain Valley Bay.

Council’s Manager Environmental Systems Dan Woods said one of the most encouraging findings was the long-term improvement in water clarity.

“Water in Lake Macquarie is much clearer than it was when this monitoring began more than two decades ago,” he said.

“Clearer water allows more sunlight to reach underwater plants and helps support the lake’s broader ecosystem.”

Since monitoring began in 2001-2002, average water clarity has improved by 240%, increasing visibility from 1.7m to more than 4.1m.

While recent five-year averages show a slight reduction in water clarity compared with earlier years – largely the result of unusually high rainfall during that period – the results indicate the lake remains in strong ecological health overall.

“Protecting and improving the health of Lake Macquarie remains a key objective of Council’s Community Strategic Plan 2025-2035, Lake Macquarie Coastal Management Program 2023 and Lake Activation Strategy 2024,” Mr Woods said.

Go to lakemac.com.au for more information.

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