The Clean Oceans Foundation (COF) is calling on Bega Valley Shire Council to commit to increased water treatment at Merimbula.
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Peter Smith from the foundation said the organisation wants to see all the water coming out of all Australian ocean outfalls upgraded to Class A.
"This is one step below potable but can be used on playing fields and even on leafy vegetables. There is nothing in it that can cause humans problems," Mr Smith said.
"Now is the perfect time to use Merimbula as a pilot scheme," he said.
The foundation is calling on all candidates in the Eden-Monaro byelection to "sit up and take notice" and state where they stand on the issue of the Merimbula ocean outfall and level of water treatment for the plant prior to discharge.
COF is working with community action group SWAMP (Sustainable Water Actions for Merimbula and Pambula) to advocate for better water treatment.
"Back in 2009-2013 the issue of water scarcity and drought were at a distance. Now, however, these issues are on our doorstep, hence our asking for BVSC to reconsider in light of the current environmental concerns," SWAMP president Marianne Kambouridis said.
"The Clean Oceans Foundation has informed us of their plan to release their national strategy in the very near future which may render the controversial $30m plus outfall as a white elephant," Ms Kambouridis said in a letter to Liberal candidate Fiona Kotvojs.
