During summer, we regularly monitor the water quality at nearly 100 popular swim spots in Waitaha Canterbury. We check for faecal contamination and toxic algae (cyanobacteria). 

Find out more about where's good to swim, our monitoring programme, health warnings and toxic algae.

Can I swim here?

Check the LAWA website for up-to-date information on where’s best to swim.

Our monitoring programme

Find out more about our water monitoring programme, our new predictive model, and water quality grades.

Health warnings

View temporary health warnings in Waitaha Canterbury.

Toxic algae

Cyanobacteria (also called blue-green algae or toxic algae) can make people and animals extremely sick, sometimes causing death.

Check LAWA for water quality

LAWA logo Visit the Can I Swim Here? section of the LAWA website to find where’s good for swimming and other water sports such as kayaking, surfing and paddleboarding around Waitaha Canterbury, as well as sites all around Aotearoa. 

Most sites are updated weekly through summer, generally within two days of sampling. This summer, a new predictive water quality tool for Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour and Akaroa shows, in real-time, which of these bays are perfect for swimming.

As water quality can change, it’s best to check the LAWA website for up-to-date information before heading out.