NRC: Freshwater swimming quality results for week starting 8 Feb

Northland Regional Council's samples taken week beginning 08 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	556
Kaihu River, at campground	102221	Green:  Safe to swim	74
Kapiro Bridge, at Purerua Road	102838	Green:  Safe to swim	223
Kerikeri, Stone Store bridge	101530	Green:  Safe to swim	97
Lake Taharoa	105434	Green: Safe to swim	31
Langs Beach Stream	104539	Red:  Unsafe to swim	1296
Ocean Beach Stream	102077	Green:  Safe to swim	10
Omamari Beach Stream	102305	Green:  Safe to swim	109
Otamure Bay Stream	108859	Orange:  Caution	538
Otaua Stream	108510	Green:  Safe to swim	169
Raumanga Stream, Whangarei	103246	Green:  Safe to swim	121
Tirohanga Stream	102252	Orange:  Caution	345
Twin Bridges	105973	Green:  Safe to swim	120
Victoria River	104908	Green:  Safe to swim	121
Waipapa Basin	105706	Green:  Safe to swim	121
Waipapa River, Puketi	103248	Green:  Safe to swim	31
Waipoua River, at DOC campground	108613	Green:  Safe to swim	41
Waipu Stream	101207	Green:  Safe to swim	246
Waitangi, at Lily Pond	104830	Orange:  Caution	313
Waro Lake, Hikurangi	107272	Green:  Safe to swim	132
Whangarei Falls	105972	Red:  Unsafe to swim	624

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

For general information contact:

Northland Regional Council
Freephone: 0800 002 004