NRC: Freshwater swimming quality results for week starting 15 Feb

Northland Regional Council's samples taken week beginning 15 February 2010:

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 we test for

 Green: safe to swim
 Escherichia coli count less than 260/100ml

 Orange: caution, potentially unsuitable to swim
 Escherichia coli count more than 260/100ml

 Red: unsafe to swim
 Escherichia coli count more than 550/100ml

This week's 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
Coopers Beach Stream	101870	Red:  Unsafe to swim	1354
Kaihu River, at campground	102221	Green:  Safe to swim	63
Kapiro Bridge, at Purerua Road	102838	Orange:  Caution	448
Kerikeri, Stone Store bridge	101530	Red:  Unsafe to swim	1236
Lake Taharoa	105434	Green: Safe to swim	10
Langs Beach Stream	104539	Red:  Unsafe to swim	663
Ocean Beach Stream	102077	Green:  Safe to swim	41
Omamari Beach Stream	102305	Green:  Safe to swim	150
Otamure Bay Stream	108859	Green:  Safe to swim	216
Otaua Stream	108510	Green:  Safe to swim	216
Raumanga Stream, Whangarei	103246	Green:  Safe to swim	259
Tirohanga Stream	102252	Orange:  Caution	309
Twin Bridges	105973	Green:  Safe to swim	<10
Victoria River	104908	Not Available
Waipapa Basin	105706	Not Available
Waipapa River, Puketi	103248	Green:  Safe to swim	109
Waipoua River, at DOC campground	108613	Green:  Safe to swim	30
Waipu Stream	101207	Red:  Unsafe to swim	24192
Waitangi, at Lily Pond	104830	Green:  Safe to swim	228
Waro Lake, Hikurangi	107272	Green:  Safe to swim	63
Whangarei Falls	105972	Orange:  Caution	410

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

We 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
Phone: 09 405 2750

Whangarei District Council
Phone: 09 430 4200

Kaipara District Council
Phone: 09 439 7059

Northland Health
Phone: 09 430 4100