2009-2010 results

 

Compliance rates for coastal sites 2009-2010

In 2009-2010, 45 coastal sites were safe for swimming 100% of the time. A further 13 were safe on all but one occasion (90-99% compliance) and three were safe on all but two sampling occasions. Two sites, Ōpua Foreshore at the shop end of the beach, and Ngunguru at the toilets were safe for swimming on all but three and four occasions respectively (75-89% compliance). No coastal sites had compliance of <75%. The level of compliance for coastal sites was higher in 2009-10 compared to 2008-2009. This is most probably related to the lower levels of rainfall received across the region during the summer of 2009-2010.

Graph of compliance rates for Coastal sites 2009-2010. 

Compliance rates for coastal sites 2009-2010

Compliance rates for freshwater sites 2009-2010

In 2009-2010, six freshwater sites were safe for swimming 100% of the time. Two sites were safe on all but one sampling occasion and four were safe on all but two sampling occasions. Overall, more freshwater sites had a compliance rate of 100% in 2009-2010 compared to 2008-2009. This may be attributable to lower rainfall over the summer this year, which in turn reduced the amount of contamination entering freshwater systems from rainfall run-off.

Graph of compliance rates for Fresh Water sites 2009-2010.

Compliance rates for freshwater sites 2009-2010.

Nine freshwater sites were safe for swimming for less than 75% of the time. These sites were Ocean Beach Stream, Waipū Beach Stream, Kerikeri River at the Stone Store, Pacific Bay Stream, Whāngārei Falls, Kapiro Stream, Otamure Bay Stream, Coopers Beach Stream and Langs Beach Stream.

In addition to sampling for swimming water quality, 15 sites were also graded for their suitability for recreational shellfish gathering. Only two sites, Oakura and Mcleod Bay, complied with the microbiological water quality guidelines during the summer months.