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  • 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. For many sites there are two types of information available, the weekly sampling result and the long-term grade.

    Water quality test result

    Current E. coli statusLast sampled 23 Dec 2024
    Latest Toxic Algae result
    Last sampled 23 Dec 2024

    The current risk status for this site combines both E. coli and toxic algae data. It is a guide to the recent water quality at this site.

    Long-term grade

    Long-term E. coli grade5 year sampling

    Long-term grade is important to consider. Based on 5 years of data, it is a guide to the general water quality at this site.

    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.

    Toxic algae can rapidly bloom to harmful levels, and not all freshwater sites are monitored for toxic algae. Play it safe — if you can see toxic algal blooms in rivers or lakes, avoid contact or choose another site to swim.

    Summer season monitoring history

    • Samples this season
    • Samples from last 5 years
    E. coli sampling graph
    • View as graph
    • View as donut
    Toxic Algae sampling graph

    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 for E. coli 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.
    For sites where toxic algae is routinely monitored, the monitoring result exceeded the surveillance criteria. Avoid contact where toxic algae is present.
    Unsuitable for swimming – The monitoring result did not meet the national guidelines at the time of testing.
    For sites where toxic algae is routinely monitored, the monitoring result exceeded the alert level criteria. Avoid contact with the water and with toxic algae along the edge of the water.

    Long-term grade information

    Long-term grade based on five years of data
    Minimum data points required 50 Highest E. coli per 100ml value {{riskData.maxValue | number:0}}
    Number of data points available {{riskData.dataPoints | number:0}} Lowest E. coli per 100ml value {{riskData.minValue | number:0}}
    Hazen 95th percentile result {{riskData.hazenResult}} Long-term grade
    {{riskData.rating}}

    What do the long-term grade icons mean?

    Excellent – The estimated risk of Campylobacter infection has a <0.1% occurrence, 95% of the time.
    95th percentile of E. coli / 100 mL is <= 130.
    Good – The estimated risk of Campylobacter infection has a 0.1 - 1% occurrence, 95% of the time.
    95th percentile of E. coli / 100 mL is > 130 and <= 260.
    Fair – The estimated risk of Campylobacter infection has a 1 - 5% occurrence, 95% of the time.
    95th percentile of E. coli / 100 mL is > 260 and <= 540.
    National bottom line: 95th percentile: 540
    Poor – The estimated risk of Campylobacter infection has a >5% occurrence, at least 5% of the time.
    95th percentile of E. coli / 100 mL is > 540.
    Not available – There were not enough data to determine the long-term grade at this site.

    Learn more

    See factsheets for more information.

     Download data

  • What about my dog?

    Information about toxic algae

    Dog owners

    Keeping your dog safe and healthy this summer

    A trip to a lake is a lot of fun and knowing how to keep your dog safe means you are able to relax and enjoy the adventure even more. Toxic algae can be harmful to dogs (and us) – this section shows you what to look for.

     Planktonic bloom

     

    What to do

    • The best thing you can do to keep yourself, your kids and your dog safe is to know what toxic algae looks like and avoid it. 

    • If you are not sure, keep your dog on a lead at a lake and don’t let them in or near the water. Bring water from home for your dog so that they don’t need to drink out of the lake.

    What is toxic algae?

    Toxic algae, known scientifically as cyanobacteria, are naturally occurring in rivers and lakes in New Zealand, including waterways with good water quality. Most of the year it is present in lakes at low levels that are not much of a danger. But algae can be a problem during the summer months, when warm temperatures and nutrients in the lake create an environment where it can thrive, forming extensive blooms which can be toxic to humans, dogs, livestock and wildlife. 

    Scientists do not yet understand when and why this algae turns toxic, so to be safe, always treat it as toxic.

    Dogs are particularly susceptible to poisoning from toxic algae as they may drink lake water or play in the water. 

    What to look for

    Toxic algae grows within the water column in lakes and cause the water to become murky or cloudy. 

    These free floating algae blooms in lakes are generally green in colour and can look like paint, petrol or pea soup. It can also form foam or scum on the water’s surface, especially at the water’s edge. Sometimes blooms may not be very visible.

    Council staff monitor for toxic algae in lakes where blooms are known to occur. Blooms can occur very suddenly (within an hour) so please alert your regional or unitary council if you notice a new algal bloom in a lake.

    What if my dog has eaten toxic algae?

    If you suspect that your dog has eaten toxic algae, you should contact your vet as soon as possible. Signs a dog has been poisoned by toxic algae include lethargy, muscle tremors, fast breathing, twitching, paralysis and convulsions.

    Find out more about toxic algae here

  • 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

    Canoeing/Kayaking
    Dog walking

    The area around the lagoon is an on leash area

    Walking
    Other activities

    A popular spot for kayak polo.

    Facilities

    Picnic area
    Car parking
    Public transport
    Other facilities

    A popular spot for kayak polo.

How do I get there?

Hokowhitu Lagoon
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