Opihi River at Saleyards Bridge
This hill-fed lower site is typical of Canterbury plains hill-fed braided rivers with moderate flows and a gravel bed. Located near the township of Pleasant Point and the Stratheona hut community.
This site is monitored for recreational water quality during the summer months only.
A walking track on the stopbanks follows alongisde the river and is popular for dog walkers. Care must be taken during the warmer months where there have been potentially toxic algal blooms in the past with associated warnings.
Recreational water quality at this site is influenced by flow related spikes in E. coli. Swimming is not recommended upto 48hrs after rainfall. During the summer months, potentially toxic cyanobacteria mats may pose a public health risk at this site. For up to date warnings visit http://ecan.govt.nz/services/online-services/monitoring/swimming-water-quality/Pages/river-warnings.aspx
