More than 20,000 litres of raw sewage spilled into Cudgen Creek earlier this week but quick action by nearby residents and Tweed Shire Council staff prevented an even larger spill.
Residents first alerted the council to the spill at Moss Street on Monday morning.
It had been caused by a blockage in a pipe near the sewage pump station at Clough Way.
A council spokesperson said staff responded quickly, removing the blockage and containing the spill to less than 25,000 litres.
Work then began to clean up the affected area.
Signage was placed at the site and the spokesperson said staff were initially stationed there as well to alert visitors and prevent any contact with the affected section of Cudgen Creek.
Sample testing yesterday confirmed water quality at the site has returned to normal levels.
‘Test results received this [Wednesday June 18] morning from samples taken on Tuesday showed the contaminants had been flushed from the site by tidal flows’, council’s water manager Anthony Burnham said.
Council staff have now removed the warning signs and say it is safe to go back into the water.