Coromandel waters get tick of approval

Waikato Regional Council's coastal scientists carrying out water quality monitoring.

Waikato Regional Council's coastal scientists say the water quality on the Coromandel's beaches they monitor have been good for swimming this summer so far.

Water quality is tested at Whangamatā Beach, Onemana, Whiritoa, Pauanui, Tairua, Hot Water Beach and Whitianga as well as Ngaranui Beach in Raglan and Sunset Beach in Port Waikato.

The regional council is in the third year of its water quality monitoring programme after lobbying from ratepayers to re-instigate water quality testing. The tests determine whether faecal bacteria levels are acceptable for contact recreation, such as swimming and surfing.
Results for each beach can be viewed as they are updated on the regional council's website www.waikatoregion.govt.nz.

"Water quality at Waikato beaches is generally high but caution should be taken following heavy rain," says WRC coastal water quality scientist, Dr Pete Wilson.

"That's because heavy rain flushes contaminants from urban and rural land into waterways, which then make their way to the coast.

"While our monitoring programme isn't picking up persistent issues, it helps provide assurance to the public going forward and tracks any trends or emerging issues," says Dr Wilson.

If any issues of concern are identified, the regional council works with Thames-Coromandel District Council and the Waikato District Health Board to assess results that may have public health implications.