Swimming not advised at Mission Bay today and tomorrow

Warning signs have been put up at Mission Bay to advise swimmers and beach users of a poor water quality test result.

Acting Chief Operating Officer Ian Maxwell says high levels of bacteria were found by the council’s Safeswim monitoring programme yesterday, which tests water quality weekly at 63 Auckland beaches.

“Our advice is for people not to swim at Mission Bay on Thursday and Friday.

“Our testing indicates that levels of bacteria suggest a potential risk to human health.

“We are getting more tests done today and we will be in a position to advise on any further action tomorrow afternoon, Friday.

“I encourage swimmers to use other local beaches, for example Kohimarama and St Heliers.

“This result is surprising. Checks of the wastewater and stormwater network do not indicate a network problem and there have been no reports of overflows.

“This may be a one-off incident from an animal source, a boat dumping or a false positive.”

Mr Maxwell says that overall, water quality in our bathing beaches and lakes is very good and meets New Zealand health guidelines.

People can check out our weekly test results by calling 0800 SAFESWIM (0800 723 379) or visiting www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/safeswim

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