30 March 2007

Summer monitoring of recreational water sites has now finished

The summer monitoring of water quality of the most popular swimming spots around Hawke's Bay for the 2006/2007 season has now finished.

Hawke's Bay Regional Council has completed its monitoring of 30 recreational spots on the region’s rivers and coast, and the Hawke’s Bay District Health Board’s Public Health Unit will no longer be updating the Safe Swimming Line phone service with information.

The Public Health Unit is, however, aware that people may still be enjoying some recreational use of rivers and coastal beaches. They advise that a general approach to assessing water quality at any waterway, such as lagoons, streams and rivers, is to avoid going into the water for up to 3 days following periods of heavy rainfall.

“The most usual problems occur after heavy rainfall, with pollutants being washed through rivers and streams, so be aware of recent weather patterns if you are planning to go into the water,“ says Dr Caroline McElnay, medical officer of health.

Coastal beaches can also be impacted by contaminants coming downstream after heavy rain.

However with rivers and estuaries, it is also wise to stay out of the water:

- if the waterway is in an urban area or surrounded by farms with dairy cows, cattle or sheep.

- if there are any livestock or large numbers of birds in or near the water.

- if you can’t see your feet clearly when knee deep in the water.

The Public Health Unit will advise when its “Safe Swimming Line” will recommence in November as summer monitoring begins again and Hawke’s Bay Regional Council will provide data on its website www.hbrc.govt.nz.

ENDS

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