Water Quality at Northland's rivers, streams and lakes 2012-13
Water quality was tested at a selection of Northland's rivers, streams and lakes during summer. Twelve freshwater sites were tested weekly for 12 weeks from 26 November 2012 to 18 February 2013. Three freshwater sites were tested weekly from 18 February 2013 until 25 March 2013.
End of season medians (updated 1.00pm Friday 5 April 2013)
The results shown below are the median result for each site for the 2012-13 sampling season. Also shown is the percentage compliance with the recommended guidelines for each site, i.e. the number of sampling occasions when water quality was found to be suitable for recreational use. For freshwater this is when levels of bacteria were below 550 Escherichia coli (E. coli) per 100mL.
End of season medians
Check before you swim
Want to know how to be river safe?
Who to contact
We have a four tier status system for end of season results. This is based on 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
Blue:
Suitable for swimming 95-100% of the time
Green:
Suitable for swimming 90-95% of the time
Orange:
Suitable for swimming 75-90% of the time
Red:
Suitable for swimming less than 75% of the time
Results
The table below shows the end of season 2012-2013 medians for freshwater sites sampled in Northland. All locations are in alphabetical order.
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.
Want to know how to be river safe?
Visit Water Safety New Zealand's website for information and activites that can be used by anyone wanting to be river safe.
Find the rivers education section at: www.watersafety.org.nz
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
Whangarei 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