Each summer, Northland Regional Council test the water quality at a number of Northland’s popular coastal and freshwater swimming spots to make sure it’s safe for swimming.
Testing started on 29 November and will continue for 12 weeks through to March.
Freshwater quality for week starting 03 January:
Warning signs have been placed by District Councils at the following sites (please see all the results below):
- Ocean Beach Stream
- Otamure Bay Stream
- Whangarei Falls
- Raumanga Stream
- Waipu Cove Stream
- Coopers Beach Stream
- Otaua Stream at Otaua Road Bridge
- Victoria River at DOC reserve
- Kerikeri River at Stone Store
NOTE: Some results remain high as a result of the ongoing rainfall. Remember the four simple rules:
- Don't swim if there are warning signs indicating water is unsafe
- Avoid swimming two to three days after heavy rain
- Don't swim if water looks dirty/murky, smells or it has scum on the surface
- Be aware of potential sources of contamination nearby or upstream
Status system
NRC give a three tier status system for swimming water quality. This is based by assessing the risk of contamination at a freshwater swimming site using levels of the indicator bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli). Find out more about what NRC test for
Green: safe to swim
E. coli less than 260/100ml
Orange: caution, potentially unsuitable to swim
E. coli count more than 260/100ml
Red: unsafe to swim
E. coli count more than 550/100ml
This weeks' results:
The table below shows the most recent results for all the freshwater sites sampled in Northland. All locations are in alphabetical order.
| LOCATION | Site No. | Status | Result |
| Aurere River, at Aurere Beach Road | 110324 | .jpg) Green: Safe to swim |
205 |
| Coopers Beach Stream | 101870 | .jpg) Red:Unsafe to swim |
3873 |
| Kaihu River, at campground | 102221 | Green: Safe to swim |
98 |
| Kapiro Bridge, at Purerua Road | 102838 | Green: Safe to swim |
189 |
| Kerikeri, Stone Store | 101530 | Red: Unsafe to swim |
663 |
| Lake Coca Cola | 110323 | Green: Safe to swim |
10 |
| Lake Ngatu, south end | 100402 | Green: Safe to swim |
146 |
| Lake Taharoa | 105434 |
|
<10 |
| Langs Beach, toilets | 100686 | Red: Unsafe to swim |
1607 |
| Ocean Beach Stream | 102077 | Red: Unsafe to swim |
8164 |
| Omamari Beach Stream | 102305 |
|
98 |
| Otamure Bay Stream | 108859 |
|
359 |
| Otaua Stream | 108510 |
|
393 |
| Raumanga Stream, Whangarei | 103246 |
|
327 |
| Tirohanga Stream | 102252 |
|
265 |
| Twin Bridges | 105973 |
|
41 |
| Victoria River | 104908 | Red: Unsafe to swim |
3255 |
| Waipapa Basin, at Charlies Rock | 110348 |
|
233 |
| Waipapa River, Puketi | 103248 |
No data |
No data |
| 108613 |
|
122 | |
| 101207 |
|
537 | |
| Waitangi, at Lilypond | 104830 | Green: Safe to swim |
74 |
| Waro Lake, Hikurangi | 107272 |
|
52 |
| Whangarei Falls | 105972 |
|
512 |
.jpg)
Orange:
NOTE: NRC also randomly sampled the Wairoa Stream at Ahipara, this site was 'Orange:Caution'.
Check before you swim
In general, water can be contaminated and unsafe for swimming if:
- there is a warning sign erected indicating water is unsafe.
- there has been heavy rain recently.
- the water looks dirty (murky).
- there are several potential sources of contamination nearby and upstream such as:
- houses on septic tanks;
- stock with access to the water; or
- a sewage treatment plant discharge.
Who to contact
NRC are responsible for routine surveillance monitoring. These results are sent to the District Councils and Northland Health, who then carry out follow-up sampling as required and warn the public of any swimming sites that may be unsafe.
For information about a specific area or a warning sign contact your local District Council or the on-duty Health Protection Officer at Northland Health.
Far North District Council
Freephone: 0800 920 029
Whangarei District Council
Phone: 09 430 4200
Kaipara District Council
Phone: 09 439 7059
Northland Health
Phone: 09 430 4100
For general information contact:
Northland Regional Council
Freephone: 0800 002 004
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