Porirua water quality report 'variable'

Many places in Porirua are good for swimming but a few spots are not so great, especially after rain, a new Recreational Water Quality report card shows.

The best sites are Pukerua Bay, Karehana Bay, Onehunga Bay and the entrance to Pauatahanui Inlet which have an overall grade of B and a low risk of illness.

"Other sites in Porirua have a moderate risk of illness and are generally safe for swimming unless it's been raining," says GWRC Senior Environmental Scientist Summer Greenfield.

"Rainfall washes contamination from surrounding urban and rural land into waterways. We encourage people to wait two days after heavy rain before swimming again.

The worst sites were Titahi Bay south end, Plimmerton Beach and western Onepoto in Te Awarua-o-Porirua Harbour but improvements are being made to sewer and storm water infrastructure in these areas," says Ms Greenfield.

We'll be starting our upcoming summer monitoring programme in December. We'll keep the community continually informed of water quality so they can get out and enjoy their recreational activities safely.

Get copies of our 2015/2016 report cards.

ENDS

Media contact:

021 914 266 or comms@gw.govt.nz