Recreational Water

Click here for the latest bathing water results

Southlanders are being encouraged to be water savvy this summer so they can decide where it's safe to swim or gather shellfish.

Environment Southland monitors bathing water quality at 13 sites around the coast and 11 sites on river and lakes and has published their most recent results.

When the results indicate a potential health risk, Council will issue a public warning and there will be signs erected at the site.

While the lower reaches of most of Southland's major rivers can be unsuitable for swimming at times, they may still be fine for boating or fishing. And equally, beaches or estuaries that are ideal for boating may not be safe for collecting shellfish. Even rivers which people generally consider to be pristine should always be treated with some care.

Warning signals include intensive farming in the surrounding catchment area, industries immediately upstream, recent intensive rainfall and the colour of the water. If the water is murky - if you can't see your toes - there is a higher risk that the water is polluted. On the coast, it's preferable to avoid beaches near stream outflows , stormwater outfalls, areas where there is a large concentration of buildings with septic tanks or with possible runoff from intensive farming. It's also best to avoid gathering shellfish for at least five days after periods of heavy rainfall.

Some Southland hot-spots lately (known areas which breach guidelines):

  • Waikaia River at Waikaia Township
  • Oreti River at Winton Bridge
  • Jacobs River and Colac Bay
  • Mataura River at Gore
  • Aparima River at Thornbury

For full and up to date results please visit the Environment Southland website.

About this page

First added: 9 December 2011
Last updated: 21 December 2011

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Southland District Council
P.O. Box 903
Invercargill 9840
Phone: 0800 732 732
Fax: 0800 732 329
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