Site investigations

During 2009-2010, investigations were undertaken at seven sites where there was consistently poor water quality in order to try and isolate the source/s of contamination. Investigation work included collecting samples for faecal source tracking, undertaking sanitary surveys, collecting and analysing water samples from up the catchment and catchment land-use mapping.

Results received to date from these sites indicate that the main source of contamination is from avian (bird) sources. Coopers Beach stream showed a source of contamination as dog faeces; Otamure Bay stream showed a source of contamination to be herbivore (livestock) faeces and Pahi – near the campground – showed a source of contamination to be human faeces. Sanitary surveys will be done in Pahi to isolate the source of contamination.

Where the source of faecal contamination is natural (i.e. from birds), little can be done to rectify the problem. In Otamure Bay, Coopers Beach and Pahi, where the source of contamination is non-avian, Regional Council staff have been liaising with landowners to discuss and implement land management options and ultimately reduce contamination. Further monitoring will continue in 2010-2011.