Clean Ocean Foundation

Frequently asked questions

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​Frequently Asked Questions:
  • How many outfalls are there in Australia? In Australia there 194 coastal outfalls
  •  How much water do they discharge? Every year, Australian coastal outfalls dump enough water in our oceans to fill Sydney Harbor nearly three times
  •  What is the quality of the water discharged? Many of the outfalls dump poorly treated water into our oceans. The water contains pollutants include pathogens, microplastics and chemicals that are known to cause toxic red algae blooms along with other harmful impacts.
  •  What is a red tide? A red tide is a harmful red algal bloom which can be observed by a red discolouration of the ocean’s surface. The toxins produced by this bloom are capable of killing fish and other marine animals, and as they become airborne, can have respiratory effects on people nearby.
  •  How can we stop the red tide? The best way to reduce the occurrence of red tides is to upgrade water treatment plants to follow our National Outfall Strategy (NOUS) which ensures water treatment will be upgraded to a ‘Class A+’ level by 2030.
  • What is Class A+ treatment? Class A+ treatment improves water quality so that it is safe for discharge into ocean outfalls, but also is suitable for non-potable use such as crop irrigation, toilet flushing and clothes washing. This is already in use in some of Australia's leading treatment plants.
  • How much would these upgrades cost? It is estimated that these upgrades would cost $10 billion but create an overall net benefit of $30 billion.

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Hours

M-F: 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+61 492 917 573

Email

info@cleanocean.org

Clean Ocean Foundation acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of all communities who also work and live on this land
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  • Home
  • About Us
  • Clean Ocean Clean Water
    • Media 2022 >
      • Is this our Future?
      • Response Victoria SWS
    • Stop Victoria's Ocean Dumping >
      • Victoria Election 2022
    • COCW Victorian
    • COCW National
    • Save Water Save Us >
      • Save Water Campaign
      • Indigenous
      • Circular Economy
      • NOUS 2030
      • Electoral Candidates Survey
      • Upgrade Summary
      • 2019 Upgrading Australia's Outfalls
      • Upgrade Save Water Campaign
      • Stickers Save Water Campaign
  • NATIONAL OUTFALL DATABASE
    • National Outfall Reporting Standards
    • NOD Survey
    • Transparency Report 2019 NOD Final
    • 2018 NOD Summary
  • Supporting Partners
  • NEWS
    • WHITE PAPERS
  • Donate
    • Wills and Bequests
  • Community
    • Volunteer
    • Membership
    • Health Matters
    • Cotton Bud Survey
    • Events
    • Education Resources >
      • Education - The Big Poo
      • Flow Volumes
    • Community News
    • Walkerville >
      • Press Releases
  • CONTACT US
  • FAQ
  • Microplastics
    • Microplastic Emerging Pollutants and Water Recycling
    • Microplastics - Testing the Waters
    • Microfibres What you can do.