Wharere

According to the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (2020), if any single E. coli level at a monitored site is above 260 E. coli per 100 mL, the regional council must (unless the council is satisfied that the elevated result is temporary or the cause is being addressed):

(a) increase sampling frequency to daily, where practicable; and
(b) take all practicable steps to identify potential causes of microbial contamination.

Additionally, if any single E. coli level is above 540 E. coli per 100 mL, the regional council must, as soon as practicable, take all practicable steps to notify the public and keep the public informed that the site is unsuitable for primary contact, until further sampling shows a result of 540 E. coli per 100 mL or less

Bay of Plenty Regional Council has set their safe swimming limit for Freshwater at 550 E. coli CFU/100 ml of water based on the Microbiological Water Quality Guidelines (2003). Our data has been coloured to reflect their practice.