Reporting Water Pollution

Why pollution should be reported

Pollution, whether in the form of litter, sewage, greywater, bilgewater, hull scrapings or chemicals, can adversely affect the health and amenity of our waterways.

All waterway users are encouraged to promptly report any pollution they see.  This allows authorities to make a timely response and helps to minimise any damage to the environment.

Prompt reporting also increases the chances of successful action against those responsible for the pollution.

Who should pollution be reported to?

If the pollution appears to be coming from a vessel on the water it should be reported to Maritime’s Info Line on 13 12 56.

Try to record relevant details such as the vessel name and registration number, the time and place of the incident and the type of pollution.

If the pollution appears to be coming from a marina or land-based facilities, or from a vessel ‘on the slips’, you need to contact either the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) or the local Council.  

Most larger facilities require a licence from the OEH and you should check that agency’s public register of licenced premises at www.environment.nsw.gov.au/prpoeoapp/searchregister.aspx.

If the premises are listed you can report the incident to the OEH pollution line on 13 15 55, providing as many relevant details as possible. This line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If the facilities are not listed on the OEH public register, they are the responsibility of the local Council and you should report the incident to them.