Living in Northland

Status system

We give a three tier status system for swimming water quality.  This is based by assessing the risk of contamination at a beach swimming site using levels of the indicator bacteria Enterococci.   Find out more about what we test for

Green: safe to swim
Enterococci count less than 140/100ml

Orange: caution, potentially unsuitable to swim
Enterococci count more than 140/100ml

Red: unsafe to swim
Enterococci count more than 280/100ml 

Faecal coliform levels are also tested at some sites, these sites are shown with an asterix (*) in the tables below.  A 'combination' of faecal coliform and enterococci levels are used to give the final grade. Find out more about 'combination' grades.

Far North

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the Far North testing sites.

To view an aerial photo map of the location where the samples were gathered, click on the site name link. 

North East (Coopers Beach to Matauri Bay)

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the North East testing sites.

To view an aerial photo map of the location where the samples were gathered, click on the site name link.

North West (Hokianga Harbour)

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the North West testing sites.

To view an aerial photo map of the location where the samples were gathered, click on the site name link.

* 'Combination' test used 

South West (Kaipara District)

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the South West testing sites.

To view an aerial photo map of the location where the samples were gathered, click on the site name link.

 * 'Combination' test used

South East (One Tree Point to Mangawhai Harbour)

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the South East testing sites. 

To view an aerial photo map of the location where the samples were gathered, click on the site name link. 

* 'Combination' test used

Bay of Islands and Oakura

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the BOI and Oakura testing sites.

To view an aerial photo map of the location where the samples were gathered, click on the site name link. 

Tutukaka

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the Tutukaka testing sites.

To view an aerial photo map of the location where the samples were gathered, click on the site name link. 

* 'Combination' test used

Whāngārei Heads (including Onerahi and Pataua)

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the Whāngārei Heads testing sites.

To view an aerial photo map of the location where the samples were gathered, click on the site name link. 

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: 09 401 5200

Whāngārei District Council
Phone: 09 430 4200

Kaipara District Council
Phone: 09 439 3123

Northland Health
Phone: 09 430 4100

For general information contact:

Northland Regional Council
Freephone: 0800 002 004