High bacteria levels found at popular Northland swimming spots

Tuesday, 12 March 2019

The Northland Regional Council was looking for faecal bacteria to gauge the risk of gastrointestinal contraction at a number of Northland locals, including the Whangarei Falls.

High bacteria levels at popular Northland swimming spots have prompted an investigation into where the pollution is coming from.

An annual summer water quality programme run by Northland Regional Council showed consistently elevated bacterial levels at Kerikeri, Whangarei Falls and Waipu's Piroa Falls.

The programme ran between December 3 and March 4 and included weekly monitoring at 46 coastal sites and 14 freshwater sites.

'Some monitoring sites, such as the Stone Store, Ahuroa at Waipu's Piroa Falls and Hatea at Whangarei Falls recorded elevated levels consistently over summer,' council chairman Bill Shepherd said.

* 12 Auckland beaches declared no-swim zones due to human faeces contamination

* Poo levels pose high risk in three Waiheke Island streams**

'Previous investigations had identified wildfowl and ruminant animals as the source of faecal contamination at these sites.'

Council was looking for faecal bacteria to gauge the risk of gastrointestinal contraction and other infections people could be at risk of contracting while using beaches, rivers and lakes for swimming, Shepherd said.

While water quality was generally suitable for swimming at open coastal beaches, bacterial levels were occasionally elevated at a few coastal sites - and many Northland river sites - particularly after heavy rain.

'We let the health board and relevant district council know of any results showing elevated bacterial levels, typically within 48 hours, as part of a jointly agreed protocol and it's their responsibility to undertake follow-up sampling and other action,' Shepherd said.

'Annual results can vary quite considerably from year to year, largely due to whether the north experiences a dry or relatively wet summer.'

As a rule of thumb, he advised that people don't swim if the water looks dirty or murky, smells or has scum on its surface.

Water quality concerns can be reported to council's freephone 24/7 Environmental Hotline on (0800) 504 639.