New Info-line For Auckland Beaches
Auckland City Council - City Scene
This summer, people who want to check the state of the water before heading to their favourite swimming beach will be able to call a special information line.
The line is a joint initiative of Auckland City and North Shore City. It will be updated regularly to keep people informed about water quality at beaches throughout the two councils' areas from November to Easter.
Water samples are taken regularly for testing from around 20 bathing beaches in Auckland City's area, says project manager, Maurice Hoban. But he stresses that water testing will only provide an indication of bathing water conditions. Heavy rainfall is also an indicator of when not to swim, he says.
"As a rule people should avoid swimming for up to 24 hours after it has rained heavily."
As in
previous years, signs will be erected to warn swimmers away
from any beach when tests show its water quality has dropped
to an unsafe
level.