MEDIA RELEASE

Tuesday, 15 November 2011

Time to test the water

Summer is around the corner and Horizons Regional Council’s annual water testing at popular swimming spots is underway, giving people the information they need to escape the heat.

From November to April, Horizons carries out weekly monitoring of water quality at 13 swimming spots. Based on the results, the spots are given a green light when it’s good to swim, amber when precaution should be taken, and red if it’s best not to swim.

While Horizons carries out weekly testing at 13 spots, there are 29 popular swimming areas that have a permanent grading system, based on knowledge of the water quality at the sites

The top grades for beaches listed on the website are Foxton, Himatangi, Waitarere and Castle Cliff.

Top river spots listed are Kahuterawa Stream, Ohau River at Gladstone Reserve and Kimberley Reserve, Pohangina River at Totara Reserve, Rangitikei River at Mangaweka, and Tokomaru River at Horseshoe Bend.

These gradings provide a general indication of water health but swimmers should use the following rule of thumb before jumping in:

• It is safest to wait three days after rain before swimming at river swimming spots.

• If the water looks clean and clear, and it’s a sunny day, you should be good to go.

The results of the weekly testing are available on the Horizons Regional Council website www.horizons.govt.nz.

Horizons’ chief executive Michael McCartney hopes people get out there this summer and enjoy what the Region has to offer.

‘’It’s important the public understand their rivers and beaches. There are great places to swim so when the conditions are right people should go for it. Equally, it’s important for the community to know when or where it’s not wise to use the river.”

Mr McCartney also advised people to exercise caution.

"People should be mindful of the risks the natural environment presents and watch out for sunken logs, rocks and river bank trees that could present a hazard."

ENDS

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