Water test results to inform our choices

Results on hand . . . Water quality testing results are available on www.lawa.org.nz, check...
Results on hand . . . Water quality testing results are available on www.lawa.org.nz, check before you head out this summer. PHOTOS
Environment Southland's summer water monitoring programme is under way — here is how you can check in each week to see how our most popular swimming spots are faring.

The first samples for this year were taken in December 2019 and, for most sites, results will be available each Friday until the end of March.

Results from the seven river sites and 13 coastal sites are available on www.lawa.org.nz (Land, Air, Water Aotearoa) — just in time to choose a great spot for the weekend.

Environment Southland science manager Dr Elaine Moriarty said staff were testing for E. coli and faecal coliforms at river and lake sites, and enterococci at our beach and estuary sites.

‘‘You can see the recent results on Lawa — where you can also see other sites from around the country if you're planning a spot of travelling this summer.’’

The water sampling results take a few days to come back and thing can change quickly, so it is important to also consider :

★ The recent weather conditions. Avoid swimming when it's been raining the day or two before.

★ The area — get familiar with it so you know where any discharge points might be, and keep them downstream of where you are swimming.

★ Generally, if you are standing in knee-deep water and can see your toes, then you should be OK.

The team also monitors for toxic algae in lakes, rivers and lagoons and if results are high a warning is issued.

Results on hand . . . Water quality testing results are available on www.lawa.org.nz, check...
Results on hand . . . Water quality testing results are available on www.lawa.org.nz, check before you head out this summer. PHOTOS

 

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