Welcome to the Hawke's Bay Regional Council's page about recreational water quality. During summer (November to March), Council staff test the water quality at popular coastal and river spots where people enjoy swimming and other water sports.
The Regional Council tests water from selected sites for indications of faecal contamination. Results of the tests are assessed against the national guidelines for water quality set by the Ministries of Environment and Health. Results are provided to the Public Health Unit which alerts the public of any problems through news media bulletins and signage.
Most of the coastal beaches are good through the summer months and any problems tend to be short lived after heavy rain, with murky water and contamination generally reducing within 3 days. People are advised to stay out of the water for three days after heavy rain when pollutants can be washed into rivers and streams and incidents of ear, eye and skin infections or stomach illness could occur.
Some streams, rivers and coastal lagoons can have longer lasting water quality problems. Local councils put up warning signs at affected sites and investigate to find the source of the contamination. The public should check any warning signs at these places before letting children, in particular, swim in the water.
As well as information being available on this website, local people can also check:
- B 4 U Swim line 24 hrs: (06) 878 1368.
- Hawke’s Bay District Health Board website (for alerts): www.healthinhawkesbay.co.nz/ under public health alerts.
- Signage at locations with regular water quality problems.
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