The best spots for recreation this summer

If you are thinking of getting into the water over summer, make sure you visit the LAWA – Can I Swim Here? website for the most up-to-date information.

Report summary

Grade changes at coastal sites

Notable differences this year for our coastal swimming spots include Tikao Bay in Akaroa and West Caroline Bay in Timaru, which have both changed from fair to poor grades.

"It’s important to note that this is only a small part of Caroline Bay that has been previously identified as unsuitable, the rest of the bay remains swimmable," said Shirley Hayward, surface water science team leader.

Charteris Bay, Avon-Heathcote South New Brighton and Duvauchelle Bay have all changed from good to fair quality. These sites remain generally suitable for swimming.

"It’s worth noting that no changes in long-term grades have occurred at Lyttelton Harbour/Whakaraupō this year. This means the only spots deemed suitable for swimming are Paradise Beach - which holds a good grade - and Church and Cass Bays which both remain fair," Shirley said.

"With human sources of faecal contamination detected at a number of locations in the harbour, including Corsair Bay, these spots are not recommended for contact recreation due to the high health risk," she said.

Freshwater sites

Our report showed five freshwater sites improved in grade, three sites saw a decline from good to fair (but remain generally suitable for swimming) and two sites (Ōtūkaikino River at the Swimming Hole and Pareora River/Pureora at Evans Crossing) changed from fair to poor.

Unfortunately, the hot, dry, conditions we are experiencing this summer have caused many of our rivers and lakes to be given temporary health warnings due to toxic algae.

Visit the LAWA Can I swim here? webpage or our own health warnings page to view the latest warnings in place before you head out.

You can also learn how to identify toxic algae for yourself by looking at our toxic algae page. This is especially important for dog owners who may walk their pets along river and lake sites that we don't monitor.

What is being done about our water quality?

Improving water quality is a team effort, not only by us and our partners - Te Whatu Ora, territorial authorities and Rūnanga - but also with the community," Shirley said.

"Residents play an important part, especially around the Lyttelton/Whakaraupō Harbour and Akaroa, where the Christchurch City Council continues its investigation into how these contaminants are entering waterways in the area.

"The investigation is complex as every public and private connection poses a potential contamination source, so investigations will take some time," Shirley said.

To help with the investigation, those who live in Lyttelton/Whakaraupō Harbour and Akaroa are encouraged to:

• Report any spillages, leaks, or pollution you see near waterways or drains.
• Pick up dog poo - never leave it on walking tracks, pavements or the beach where it can wash into drains and waterways.
• Always use the public toilets provided.
• When boating, dispose of on-board waste appropriately. Check the location of local dump stations and public toilets before you head out on your trip.
• Make sure your downpipes are not connected to your wastewater system - this can cause overflows into the stormwater network.
• Get your septic tank checked to make sure it is operating correctly.

"We want to engage with the community on this topic, so we will be coming along to some local markets and events to give residents an opportunity to talk to us about water quality," Shirley said.

"We are also boosting our personnel, including laboratory availability, over the Christmas/New Year period to ensure we have the capability to respond in a timely manner if any issues or spikes in poor water quality occur over this time," she added.

Recreational water users are encouraged to check lawa.org.nz before undertaking any activities on or in the water.

Swimming at any recreational site is not recommended within 48 hours after rainfall, regardless of the site's grade. Rain can wash contaminants from roofs, land, drains and streams into waterways, making them temporarily unsafe for swimming.