Safe to swim?
Don’t swim after rain
Water quality in our rivers and at our beaches is generally pretty good over summer, except in poor weather conditions. Heavy rain flushes contaminants from urban and rural land into waterways and we strongly advise you not to swim for at least three days after heavy or prolonged rainfall – even if a site generally has good water quality.
The table below shows popular swimming spots through the District that are tested on a regular basis. Please check here before heading out to swim.
Swim Spot | Is it safe to swim? |
Lake Ōpunakē | Yes |
Kaūpokonui River mouth | Yes |
Waingongoro River at Presbyterian Camp, Eltham | Yes |
Waingongoro River at mouth (Ōhawe) | Yes |
Ōhawe Beach | Yes |
Pātea River at mouth | Yes |
Lake Rotokare *power boating | Yes |
Water quality at popular swimming spots
Popular swimming spots in each district are listed on each district council website, along with each individual swimming spot’s current health status. There will also be signs at each swimming spot if it is not safe to swim there. The health status is determined by the district councils according to national guidelines and the results of monitoring by the Taranaki Regional Council (TRC).
Every summer, the TRC monitors popular freshwater and coastal swimming spots for bacteria that indicate if there is faecal contamination. This data is fed directly to maps on its website.
National guidelines for microbiological water quality categorise recreational bathing sites into a three different 'modes' (green, amber, red) according to the results of faecal indicator bacteria counts. District councils use TRC monitoring results and national health guidelines to inform the public on whether the water quality of a site is suitable for swimming and other water-based recreational activities.
Vandalised or outdated signs
Contact us if you see a sign that’s been damaged or is out of date.
Latest water quality monitoring results
These are available on the Taranaki Regional Council or LAWA (Land Air Water Aotearoa) websites.
General information about freshwater quality in Taranaki
The TRC has been closely monitoring water quality across Taranaki for two decades. Discussion and analysis of long-term trends can be found here.
Report pollution immediately
To report a pollution incident within Taranaki, call the Taranaki Regional Council immediately. Call 0800 736 222 at any time, 24/7, including public holidays.