Safe to swim?
We are encouraging our residents to check Taranaki Regional Council or LAWA (Land Air Water Aotearoa) websites before they head out to swim or use any of our lakes, rivers and beaches recreationally.
If you plan to swim today, here are some signs to look out for before jumping into the water.
- Has there been moderate to heavy rain in the last 48 hours? We advise you not to swim after heavy or prolonged rain when contaminates flush from urban and rural land into waterways.
- Is the water murky, cloudy or brown? This type of water is unsuitable for swimming.
- Is the water clear? Can you see the bottom and your feet in the water? If not – its best to stay out of the water.
The table below shows popular swimming spots in South Taranaki that are tested (weekly) by the Taranaki Regional Council from 1 November to 31 March each year. Please check here before heading out to swim.
Swim Spot | Is it safe to swim? |
Lake Ōpunakē | No |
Ōpunakē Beach | Yes |
Middleton Bay, Ōpunakē | Yes |
Kaūpokonui River mouth | Yes |
Waingongoro River at Taumata Park, Eltham | Yes |
Waingongoro River at mouth (Ōhawe) | Yes |
Ōhawe Beach | Yes |
Pātea River at boat ramp | Yes |
Mana Bay, Pātea | Yes |
Lake Rotokare *power boating | Yes |
Lake Rotorangi at dam pontoon | Yes |
Waverley Beach | Yes |
Wai-inu Beach | 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.
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.
Vandalised or outdated signs
Contact us if you see a sign that’s been damaged or is out of date.
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.