Monitoring of recreational water sites finished

28 March 2006

Summer monitoring of recreational water sites has now finished.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s routine monitoring of water quality for the most popular swimming spots around Hawke's Bay for the 2005/2006 summer months has now finished and will recommence again at the beginning of the summer season in November 2006.

Hawke’s Bay District Health Board’s Public Health Unit would like to remind people that all recreational waterways such as lagoons, streams and rivers should be avoided for up to three days following periods of heavy rainfall. It is anticipated that many waterways are likely to have been affected by the recent heavy rainfall.

The most usual problems occur after heavy rainfall, with pollutants being washed through rivers and streams. Surface water should always be assessed before swimming by checking the water clarity.

The Public Health Unit operates a “Safe Swimming Line” the number is (06) 878-1368. This line is updated regularly with information on sites that may be contaminated. Results are also available from the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council website www.hbrc.govt.nz.

ENDS

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