Researchers gathered samples from the Central Coast balls to compare them against those from various wastewater treatment plants managed by Central Coast Council, Hunter Water, and Sydney Water.

Findings from August indicated that the balls’ chemical signature aligned with that of Sydney Water’s Malabar Wastewater System, suggesting it as the likely origin.

Sydney Water is now conducting an in-depth investigation to determine the precise source within the Malabar system.

Efforts are already in progress to prevent similar incidents in the near future, with additional projects planned for both medium- and long-term solutions.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will release more updates as they become available.