Marine health warnings
We monitor marine sites regularly over the summer to check for faecal indicator bacteria.
Sites that we monitor are given a long-term grade prior to each summer season for suitability for swimming . The grade is based on the last five years of sampling.
Sites that are not recommended for swimming, or any water-based recreation, because of their long-term grade are shown as red on the Land Air Water Aotearoa (LAWA) website and signage should be in place at the site.
This summer, the long-term grades at 13 bays in Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour and Akaroa Harbour are replaced with a new predictive water quality tool. This tool provides real-time information about the conditions. Learn more about the predictive water quality tool.
Temporary health warnings are issued when a site was graded as good to swim but there is now an increased risk of faecal contamination.
Faecal contamination poses a risk to health, it can cause gastrointestinal illnesses, respiratory diseases, and eye, ear, nose, throat and skin infections.
You can also help stop the spread of marine pests that pose a major threat to our region's beautiful coastal waters.