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  • Why this status?

    Click here for detailed information on water quality monitoring

    The science

    Summer season monitoring

    LAWA shows the best available water quality information to help you decide where to swim. For many sites there are two types of information available, the weekly sampling result and the long-term grade.

    Water quality test result

    Latest E. coli result

    The weekly sampling result is a snapshot in time, and is a guide to the recent water quality at this site.

    Long-term grade

    Long-term E. coli grade

    Long-term grade is important to consider. Based on 5 years of data, it is a guide to the general water quality at this site.

    Reminder

    Heavy rain flushes contaminants from urban and rural land into waterways and we advise you not to swim for 2 – 3 days after heavy or prolonged rain – even at sites that generally have good water quality. Check that the water is clean and clear before taking a dip.

    Conditions may have changed

    There has been significant rain since this site was last sampled. This may have affected the water quality at this site.

    Potentially toxic algae can rapidly bloom to harmful levels, and not all freshwater sites are monitored for toxic algae. Play it safe — if you can see toxic algal blooms in rivers or lakes, avoid contact or choose another site to swim.

    Summer season monitoring history

    • Samples this season
    • Samples from last 5 years
    E. coli sampling graph
    • View as graph
    • View as donut

    What do the monitoring results mean?

    Suitable for swimming – The monitoring result met national water quality guidelines at the time of testing.
    Caution advised – The monitoring result for E. coli was slightly elevated at the time of testing. Water quality generally suitable for swimming, but young children, elderly or those with compromised health may be at increased risk of illness.
    For sites where potentially toxic algae is routinely monitored, the monitoring result exceeded the surveillance criteria. Avoid contact where potentially toxic algae is present.
    Unsuitable for swimming – The monitoring result did not meet the national guidelines at the time of testing.
    For sites where potentially toxic algae is routinely monitored, the monitoring result exceeded the alert level criteria. Avoid contact with the water and with potentially toxic algae along the edge of the water.

    Long-term grade information

    Long-term grade based on five years of data
    Minimum data points required 50 Highest E. coli per 100ml value {{riskData.maxValue | number:0}}
    Number of data points available {{riskData.dataPoints | number:0}} Lowest E. coli per 100ml value {{riskData.minValue | number:0}}
    Hazen 95th percentile result {{riskData.hazenResult}} Long-term grade
    {{riskData.rating}}

    What do the long-term grade icons mean?

    Excellent – The estimated risk of Campylobacter infection has a <0.1% occurrence, 95% of the time.
    95th percentile of E. coli / 100 mL is <= 130.
    Good – The estimated risk of Campylobacter infection has a 0.1 - 1% occurrence, 95% of the time.
    95th percentile of E. coli / 100 mL is > 130 and <= 260.
    Fair – The estimated risk of Campylobacter infection has a 1 - 5% occurrence, 95% of the time.
    95th percentile of E. coli / 100 mL is > 260 and <= 540.
    National bottom line: 95th percentile: 540
    Poor – The estimated risk of Campylobacter infection has a >5% occurrence, at least 5% of the time.
    95th percentile of E. coli / 100 mL is > 540.
    Not available – There were not enough data to determine the long-term grade at this site.
  • What about my dog?

    Information about toxic algae

    Dog owners
  • What's at this site?

    Find out all recreational activities and facilities at this site

    Activities & facilities

    Site suitable for these activities and has these facilities

    Our lakes, rivers, and beaches are great natural playgrounds but they can be unpredictable.  Be aware of other potential risks such as rips, strong currents, sudden drop offs, or underwater objects before jumping in.  LAWA recommends that you avoid swimming for 2 - 3 days after heavy rainfall and follow the advice of any warning signs in place.

    Activities

    Facilities

How do I get there?

Hokitika Bch @ Hokitika