Sydney issues stormwater pollution alert for 26 of its iconic beaches

Authorities in Sydney have called on tourists and locals to stay away from 26 of the Australian city's iconic beaches due to increased water pollution following heavy rainfall.

The water quality at the affected beaches, which include Rose Bay Beach, Balmoral Baths, Murray Rose Pool and Tambourine Bay, has been deemed "unsuitable for swimming" due to the pollution levels detected there, according to the New South Wales Beachwatch monitor on Friday.

Sydney's famous Bondi Beach is not affected, according to the monitor.

However Beachwatch called on swimmers and surfers to check for potential pollution at other locations.

Stormwater pollution is the result of heavy rains. Swelling urban sewage systems mean rubbish, animal faeces, pesticides and other harmful substances are increasingly transported into rivers, lakes and the sea.

Sydney, located on Australia's east coast, has seen extremely humid weather in recent days, coupled with heavy rain in some places.