Aussies warned to avoid these popular Sydney beaches as water is deemed unsafe

Australians have been urged to avoid dozens of beaches amid fears the water could be contaminated with harmful bacteria.

And infection isn’t the only risk in the affected waterways, as an academic warns that stormwater pollution after a rainy week could also attract bull sharks.

Warnings have been issued for 56 beaches in Sydney that were deemed unsafe for swimming by the state government’s water quality monitor Beachwatch NSW on Friday.

“Some swimming locations in the Sydney and Central Coast region may continue to be affected by stormwater pollution,” the agency said.

‘Before you go swimming, check for signs of pollution.’

The agency has also issued a warning to beachgoers informing them that pollution is likely at popular beaches in the harbour, including Tamarama, Bronte and Queenscliff.

Popular swimming spots in Sydney’s south and northern beaches have also been affected, including the Brighton Le Sands Baths, Barrenjoey Beach and Umina Beach.

The warning has also been issued for several tourism hotspots up to the central coast, including The Entrance Channel and Hordens Beach, near Sutherland, in Sydney’s south.

Warnings have been issued for 56 beaches in Sydney that were deemed unsafe for swimming by the state government’s water quality monitor Beachwatch NSW on Friday

Beachwatch would also test water samples for dangerous bacteria such as E. coli.

The bacteria can cause diarrhea, vomiting, fever and loss of appetite.

A spokesperson for the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water said heavy rainfall is affecting the water quality of waterways.

“People should avoid swimming on beaches during heavy rainfall and for at least one day afterwards,” the spokesperson said Yahoo.

‘You are not allowed to swim in estuaries and inland waters for a maximum of three days after heavy rain.’

Daily Mail has contacted the department for further comment.

The warning comes after much of Australia’s east coast was deluged by heavy rain and thunderstorms for most of this week.

Extensive rainfall is expected in Sydney and Canberra from Friday to Sunday, with a strong chance of showers in Brisbane over the weekend.

Beachwatch would also test water samples for dangerous bacteria such as E.Coli, which can cause diarrhea, vomiting, fever and loss of appetite (photo Bondi Beach in Sydney)

Melbourne residents will also be hit by the wet weather on Sunday, with highs of 28 degrees Celsius in the city.

A monsoon weather system will also develop over northern Australia late next week, according to Weatherzone.

The system increases the risk of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and tropical cyclones.

Swimmers have also been urged to be careful with bull sharks, in addition to polluted water in some waterways.

Professor Dr Daryl McPhee from Bond University said the recent wet weather has provided the creatures with an ideal environment to forage for food and nutrients.

‘In areas where there is a lot of rainfall, you generally see more bull sharks, but there is often a lag between when rainfall occurs in a catchment and when bull sharks become more common,’ says Dr McPhee.

A bull shark was discovered in Bondi on Thursday, while a great white shark was spotted by surf lifesavers at Crescent Head, on the NSW Mid North Coast, on Friday afternoon.

Authorities closed the beach and people were evacuated from the area.

Dr. However, McPhee said pollutants in the water pose a greater risk to swimmers than sharks.