For the latest information on testing results and bathing water quality problems:
See the latest monitoring results or call 0800 723 379.
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Beaches with a good history
Some beaches have a history of
excellent water quality and present a low risk to public health. For this reason
the following beaches do not require routine monitoring:
- Goat Island Marine Reserve, Leigh
- Anchor Bay, Tawharanui Regional Park
- Tawharanui
- Kendall Bay, Birkenhead
- Cheltenham Beach, Devonport
- Devonport
- Sunkist Bay, Beachlands
- Omana Beach, Omana Regional Park
- Maraetai
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What beaches are being monitored?
Auckland Council has assessed all of the 180+ beaches in the region on their
level of use, contamination risk and special significance.
From this assessment 64 beaches have been selected for weekly monitoring at the
start of the 2011-2012 season, with the potential for ongoing reviews to result
in some changes.
Current
monitored beaches 2011-2012 season map (1.5mb)
Currently water samples are being collected and analysed on a weekly basis in
accordance with national guidelines published by the:
- Ministry for the Environment
- Ministry of Health.
These guidelines provide levels at which a beach is considered to be safe,
unsafe or where re-testing is required. The water is tested for levels of
bacteria called Enterococci (in marine water) and E. coli (in freshwater).
Toxic algae are also tested for in the Rodney lakes where a potential
problem exists.
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How is water quality assessed?
The two main methods of assessing water quality and associated public health
risks are:
- Regular water quality monitoring over the summer swimming season
- Responding to water quality problems where they are identified
Water quality monitoring provides a direct measure of water quality, but is
specific to the time and place that the sample was taken (i.e. the information
is already at least two days old before the council receives the results).
Response to water quality problems where they are identified means more
immediate action can be taken but it relies on knowledge of where and when
problems occur.
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Responding to incidents
Auckland Council responds to pollution incidents to protect public and
environmental health.
The events that are most likely to affect bathing beach water quality are:
- overflows of sewage from the wastewater network
- significant pollution of the stormwater system.
Processes have been set up across the region to identify, resolve and manage
risks to public health. The latter includes putting up signs, warning the
community of problems and undertaking water quality testing to identify when
water quality has improved.
Please report pollution to Auckland Council’s Pollution Hotline on 09
377 3107.
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Background
information
Overall, the water quality in our bathing beaches and lakes is very good and
meets New Zealand health guidelines. However, from time to time, water quality
problems can arise.
The two main causes of water pollution are stormwater runoff and sewage
overflows that may carry pollutants and contaminants into our streams, beaches
and lakes.
Water quality problems are identified through regular water quality
testing at the beaches and also by responding to pollution problems when they
occur.
In 2011 Auckland Council undertook a thorough review of the Safeswim
programmes inherited from the legacy councils to provide a more consistant,
effective and regionally representative programme.
The review included a thorough
assessment of all the beaches in the Auckland region based on four criteria:
- level of full contact use (e.g. swimming)
- level of partial contact use (e.g. kayaking)
- risk of contamination
- cultural significance.
All sites were assessed against the above criteria and ranked according to
the weighted score resulting in a list of beaches where routine monitoring would
be most beneficial through to least beneficial. The list was then further
rationalised to ensure a regional representation of sites. Selection of sites
ranking high on the list ensured water quality will be monitored where the
greatest benefit to the public will be gained.
Auckland Council will continue to put up warning signs at beaches when
wastewater overflows make them unsafe for recreational use.
While every effort is made to ensure that water quality test results and any
identified problems are updated on this site as soon as they are received there
are some limitations to the programme. Routine samples are only collected once a
week (usually Tuesday) in order for analysis to be undertaken and any issues
addressed before the weekend. This means that any changes in the water quality
may not be identified until the next sampling day. When sewerage overflows are
found to impact on recreational beaches additional sampling is undertaken and
warning signs will be erected if necessary.
The 2011-2012 season is a transitional period for Safeswim, with work
continuing on an innovative new approach to assessing recreational water quality
in Auckland.
Contact our Water Quality Advisors if you have any further queries
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