Ōhau at Kimberley Reserve

 Water quality is generally high, however, rainfall events can cause runoff from farmland upstream and cause short term drops in water quality. As such it is recommended to avoid contact recreation during and immediately after rainfall events until the water is clear. 

There is a strong relationship between recent rain and elevated E. coli concentrations.  This means swimmer health-risk can be reliably predicted.  There are no known point source discharges directly affecting the site.  The Ohau River arises in the Tararua Ranges and flows through farmlamd upstream of this swimming spot. Non-point source runoff and stock access to waterways is the most likely impact on water quality.