Where do you swim, boat and collect seafood? That’s the question being asked this summer.
Environment Southland and members of the Recreational Bathing Group (including Southland District Council, Public Health South, Invercargill City Council and Te Ao Marama Incorporated) are launching a survey of recreational water users in Southland.
The aim of the survey is to gather information about where people go to enjoy the water and their views on whether water quality is better or worse than in previous years. The survey also seeks to clarify whether the information currently provided to communities is useful.
Environment Southland monitors 13 marine recreational water sites and seven freshwater sites, with results available on the Environment Southland website and also on posters in a variety of locations around the region. The sites are tested for the presence of bacteria which may cause illness.
Coastal scientist Nick Ward said Southlanders enjoy getting out and about in and around the water, so he hopes the survey will help the council to improve the services they provide.
“Firstly, we want to be sure that the sites we currently monitor for water quality are in the correct areas and best represent the locations where people are using the water for recreation.”
The survey will take place from this week, through until the end of March, and will be available online and in hard copies for the general public to complete. Those who complete the survey will go in the draw to win one of five $100 vouchers.
“We are keen to tap into the extensive knowledge and experience of recreational water users, those who participate in organised water-based clubs and competitive sports and those who gather food from water ways,” Mr Ward said.
Survey participants will be asked questions around which river, lake, estuary and coastal beach areas they visit, how often they visit, what types of activities they take part in and their thoughts around water quality.
The survey can be completed online at www.surveymonkey.com/s/waterusers and hard copies can also be picked up at Southland District Council and Invercargill City Council service centres around the region, Public Health South or Environment Southland.
Contact coastal scientist Nick Ward on 03 211 5115 for further information.