Freshwater quality
Water Quality at Northland's rivers, streams and lakes 2011-12
Water quality is tested at a selection of Northland's rivers, streams and lakes during summer. Twelve freshwater sites will be tested weekly for 12 weeks from 28 November 2011 to 13 February 2012. Three freshwater sites will be tested weekly from 13 February 2012 until 30 March 2012.
Results for Week 11 (7 Feb - 10 Feb 2012) (Updated 9:40am Friday 10 February 2012. Next update 3pm Friday 17 February 2012)
Please Note: If water testing shows counts above the recommended guideline the relevant District Council will put up a temporary health warning sign. Swimming at these sites is not recommended for 7 days from the date written on the sign.
Before going for a swim, 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
Latest results
Check before you swim
Who to contact
.jpg)
View results on map
Instead of viewing the results in the table below, you can also view the results overlaid on a map of Northland.
View water quality results on a map
Status system
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
.jpg)
Green: safe for swimming
E. coli less than 260/100ml
.jpg)
Orange: caution, potentially unsuitable to swim
E. coli count more than 260/100ml
.jpg)
Red: unsafe to swim
E. coli count more than 550/100ml
Latest results
The table below shows the most recent results for all the 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.
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