Darwin Harbor is contaminated with large amounts of bacteria, E. coli and there is an ongoing debate over the matter.

Recently, the Department of Environment has agreed with the finding that the sewage outlets are not responsible for the large quantity of bacteria in the harbor.

This week, the waters of Nightcliff and Mindil beaches were also found to be contaminated with enterococci and E. coli bacteria.

Experts are of the view that the bacteria has come from Larrakeyah outlet or Ludmilla treatment plant.

Diana Leeder from Department of Environment, disclosed that separate testing has been carried out by two authorities and they have discovered that bacteria levels present in Power and Water's sewage outlets are safe.

She said that first the sampling of the sewage is done by Power and Water and then the Company gets the samples independently tested. She added that the samples are also checked by NRETAS in the deep water.

She disclosed that all these samples have low levels of bacteria.

Paul Henderson Chief Minister, yesterday assured that he will provide enough evidence to prove that Power and Water is not to be blamed for the shutting down of Nightcliff and Mindil beaches.