Hamanatua Stream at Okitu Bridge

Unsuitable for swimming Why this status?

Issued: 26 Dec 2024

Current status

The water quality at this site is monitored all year round, but more frequently during the summer months.

Why this status?

Click here for detailed information on water quality monitoring

The science

Summer season monitoring

LAWA shows the best available water quality information to help you decide where to swim.

Special Status

Special StatusIssued: 26 Dec 2024

Unsuitable for swimming.

This site has temporarily been determined as unsuitable for swimming, and we recommend people do not swim at this site.

Gisborne's wastewater system has been flooded with intense periods of rainfall draining from residential properties.

To prevent sewage from overflowing back into homes and onto roads and causing a significant health risk, the emergency sewer valve at Oak Street into the Taruheru River and Gladstone Road Bridge was opened into the Turanganui River at 1pm on 26 December 2024.

The discharge is highly diluted with rainwater, but still poses a health risk. Gisborne District Council advises no swimming, fishing, or gathering shellfish in rivers and beaches until at least 5 days after the valves are closed and warning signs are removed.

Reminder

Heavy rain flushes contaminants from urban and rural land into waterways and we advise you not to swim for 2 – 3 days after heavy or prolonged rain – even at sites that generally have good water quality. Check that the water is clean and clear before taking a dip.

Summer season monitoring history

Samples this season
Samples from last 5 years

Enterococci sampling graph

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What do the monitoring results mean?

Suitable for swimming – The monitoring result met national water quality guidelines at the time of testing.

Caution advised – The monitoring result was slightly elevated at the time of testing. Water quality generally suitable for swimming, but young children, elderly or those with compromised health may be at increased risk of illness.

Unsuitable for swimming – The monitoring result did not meet the national guidelines at the time of testing.

Long-term grade information

Long-term grade based on five years of data

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Number of data points available	{{riskData.dataPoints \| number:0}}	Lowest Enterococci per 100ml value	{{riskData.minValue \| number:0}}
Hazen 95^th percentile result	{{riskData.hazenResult}}	Long-term grade	{{riskData.rating}}

What do the long-term grade icons mean?

Excellent – Risk of illness is less than 1% from contact with the water during the summer bathing period.
95th percentile of Enterococci / 100 mL is 0 - 40.

Good – Risk of illness is less than 5% from contact with the water during the summer bathing period.
95th percentile of Enterococci / 100 mL is 41 - 200.

Fair – Risk of illness is between 5 and 10% from contact with the water during the summer bathing period.
95th percentile of Enterococci / 100 mL is 201 - 500.

Poor – Risk of illness is more than 10% from contact with the water during the summer bathing period.
95th percentile of Enterococci / 100 mL is more than 500.

Not available – There were not enough data to determine the long-term grade at this site.

Learn more

See factsheets for more information.

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Unpatrolled

Stay safe - never swim or surf alone. Find out more.

Swimmers

Unpatrolled Beach

When swimming at an unpatrolled beach please watch out for yourself and others, never swim or surf alone, be aware of the dangers and know your limits. If in doubt, stay out.
What's at this site?

Find out all recreational activities and facilities at this site

Activities & facilities

Site suitable for these activities and has these facilities

Our lakes, rivers, and beaches are great natural playgrounds but they can be unpredictable. Be aware of other potential risks such as rips, strong currents, sudden drop offs, or underwater objects before jumping in. LAWA recommends that you avoid swimming for 2 - 3 days after heavy rainfall and follow the advice of any warning signs in place.

Activities

Swimming

Facilities

How do I get there?

Hamanatua Stream at Okitu Bridge

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Hamanatua Stream at Okitu Bridge