Most Gisborne and East Coast swim sites get safety thumbs up after water quality testing

Almost all of the region's popular beaches, rivers and streams have been cleared by water tests this week as being safe for swimming. Photo / Murry Cave from GDC Facebook

Water quality tests this week have found almost all of the region’s popular swimming sites are safe to use.

Gisborne District Council gets the various waters tested by LAWA (Land, Air, Water Aotearoa) at least fortnightly, with most sites sampled weekly between November and March.

The latest tests were done on Monday this week.

All clear for swimming were all three sites at Anaura Bay, along with Kaiti Yacht Club, Karakatuwhero River, Makarika Stream, Makorori Settlement, Mangahauini River, Midway Surf Life Saving Club, Pouawa, Rere Falls and the Rere Rockslide, Sponge Bay and Tokomaru Bay.

Also safe for swimming were both sides of Tolaga Bay, both sites at Turihaua, Ūawa Bridge on SH35, Waiapu River, Waikanae at Grey St, Waimatā River at Anzac Park, Waipaoa River, Wainui by the surf club, Waiotu Stream, Waipiro Bay, Wharekahika River and Wherowhero Lagoon.

A caution was put in place for bathing test results in Urukokamuka Stream, near Matawai.

Unsuitable for swimming were the Hamanatua (Okitu) Stream at Wainui, Hangaroa River and the Tūranganui River at the Gladstone Rd Bridge.

No test results were available for Lottin Point, Onepoto (Hicks Bay/Wharekahika) and Te Araroa.