Swimming Water Quality

Unwell after Swimming in Northland

Should you become ill with symptoms of gastroenteritis after swimming in Northland, it is recommended that you see a doctor if the symptoms are severe or if you are worried.

If you think that your illness was caused by swimming, you should contact the on-call Health Protection Officer on 09 430 4100.

Recreational Water Sampling Programme 

The Recreational Swimming Water Quality Programme is a joint project managed by the Northland Regional Council in partnership with Te Whatu Ora, Far North District Council, Whangārei District Council and Kaipara District Council.

This programme runs from early December through to early March each year.

A number of popular coastal, river and lake sites across the Northland region are monitored weekly collecting water samples from each site and analysed to measure levels of faecal and enterococci indicator bacteria concentrations. These indicator bacteria signify the presence of disease-causing pathogens.

Before you head out to a beach, check the Safe Swim website to see whether it’s safe to swim there or if the local swimming hole is one of the many sites being monitored.

Permanent signs may be erected by councils at sites where water quality is consistently very poor. It is recommended not to swim at these sites at any time.

If anyone becomes ill following swimming at a swimming site where a public health warning sign has been erected, phone Healthline for advice on 0800 61 11 16, or seek medical attention immediately.

See a doctor if the symptoms are severe or if you are worried. You should also contact the on-call Health Protection Officer at Ngā Tai Ora, part of Te Whatu Ora, on 09 430 4100 if you think that your illness was caused by swimming.