Auckland’s beach water quality improves

Auckland’s beaches had an improved bill of health last summer, according to the latest report from Auckland Council’s Safeswim beach water quality monitoring programme.

The programme monitors water quality at 69 sites, taking samples once a week. According to the report, 92% of 1,401 water samples taken at Auckland’s beaches for the summer period November to March met health guidelines.

Safeswim beaches and freshwater sites are selected for monitoring on the basis of their usage and history. Where issues are identified, health warning signs are promptly erected and re-tests are done; the signs remain up until the water is shown to be safe.

Last summer, the total number of days that warning signs stayed up reduced by 23%, compared to the previous 2012/13 swim season.

“This report is a reminder about the water quality improvements Auckland has made,” says Wayne Walker, chair of the Environment, Climate Change and Natural Heritage committee.

“Protecting our coastline is a priority and will continue to be part of what Aucklanders cherish most about our city.

“Our coastline is one of the best things about Auckland and a major draw card for business and talent.”

The report can be read at http://infocouncil.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Open/2014/08/ENV_20140827_AGN_4784_AT.htm#PDF2_ReportName_35905

Results during the swim season are regularly updated on Auckland Council’s Safeswim website and you can subscribe there to a weekly email update.
http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/en/environmentwaste/researchmonitoring/beach_water_quality_safeswim/pages/home.aspx

Interested members of the public can also call the 0800 Safeswim number.

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