Swimming water quality results

Results from recent water quality monitoring of Nelson beaches and swimming holes are good with a few areas of concern.

Bathing water
Bathing water testing has been done over the last four years and the grades have not changed significantly.

Beaches
Coastal beaches generally have excellent water quality. There have been occasional rogue results but these are associated with stormy conditions when sediment and bugs are stirred up.

River swimming
River swimming holes in the Maitai River are monitored, and now also the Wakapuaka River is tested.

Maitai River contamination
In general, the upper Maitai River has excellent water quality that deteriorates as you go downstream into the urban area. Upstream of Bridge Street (Normanby Bridge) the river complies with swimming water quality guidelines. However, below Bridge Street frequent breaches of the health guidelines occur and the river is not considered suitable for swimming.

The source of this contamination is being pursued. Leading water quality researchers at Environmental Science and Research (ESR) were unable to identify the source of the contamination, so Cawthron Institute (through a Central Government Grant) have since investigated. Sampling and analysis are complete and a report is pending, but early indications show the source of contamination to be human in origin (not stock or ducks). A more intensive inspection of pipe work in this part of the river will be needed.