Swim safely this summer

From City Scene, published on 10 February, 2008

The council regularly tests water quality at 16 Auckland city beaches as part of the Safeswim programme.

The test results are publicly available so people can check the water quality of the beach they intend swimming at before leaving home. To access the information you can either phone 0800 SAFE SWIM, visit the website, or subscribe to a free e-newsletter.

The council's water quality tests measure levels of enterococci bacteria that can make humans and animals sick. Since enterococci bacteria levels often increase following heavy rainfall and stormwater overflow, the council advises people not to swim at beaches for 48 hours after heavy rainfall or if warning signs are posted.

So far this summer, no warning signs have been necessary at any of the beaches the council tests. Only two beaches, at Okahu and Herne bays, needed retesting after the presence of enterococci was detected, with subsequent test results confirming safe water quality.