A Papamoa creek might be dirty, oily, smelly and perhaps even a little bit scummy, but the Tauranga City Council says there's nothing to worry about.
Locals last week complained the Wairakei Stream looked unhealthy and that it smelt when the waters retreated and left dried scum on its banks.
But the council has checked out the stream, and a spokesman says the issues are a natural result of last month's heavy rain.
The council's city waters manager, Steve Burton, said the area was a stormwater reserve that was designed to fill up with water to prevent flooding in other areas.
The water level had risen after the rain. When the water later retreated, it had left behind natural debris, litter and a bit of scum. The grass had "begun to become rank", which caused a strange smell.