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Why this status?
Click here for detailed information on water quality monitoring
The scienceWater quality information
LAWA provides the best available water quality information to help you decide where to swim. The water quality of swimming sites in the Wellington region is assessed using predictive models and water quality monitoring.
Predicted risk status
Current Enterococci statusPredicted water quality
6:15 pm todayThe predicted risk status is updated hourly during the day so you can see the current water quality status for 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.
What do the icons mean?
Suitable for swimming – The current prediction is that this site has a low health risk and is likely to meet national water quality guidelines for swimming.Caution advised – The current prediction is that this site has a low health risk, however the predicted risk is slightly elevated so there may be an increased risk of illness for young children and older people.Unsuitable for swimming – The current prediction is that this site has a high health risk and is unlikely to meet national water quality guidelines for swimming.Not available – Data temporarily unavailable.Summer season monitoring history
The water quality monitoring results are shown in the graph(s) below. Here, you can see how often this site met swimming water quality guidelines at the time of sampling. The latest monitoring result may differ from the predicted water quality result, as the predictions take into account factors such as forecasted rainfall to provide an indication of current conditions.
- Samples this season
- Samples from last 5 years
Enterococci sampling graph- View as graph
- View as donut
Long-term grade information
Long-term grade based on five years of dataMinimum data points required 50 Highest Enterococci per 100ml value {{riskData.maxValue | number:0}} Number of data points available {{riskData.dataPoints | number:0}} Lowest Enterococci 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 – 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.
SwimmersUnpatrolled 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.
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What's at this site?
Find out all recreational activities and facilities at this site
Activities & facilitiesSite 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
Canoeing/Kayaking
Dog walking
To find out when and where you can exercise your dog please refer to your local authority.
Walking
Balaena Bay
Balaena Bay
Predicted water quality
6:15 pm today
Current status
Balaena Bay is located on the outskirts of the Wellington Harbour along Evans Bay Parade. This large sandy beach is popular with locals for sun bathing and swimming during the summer months. Its shallow water and sheltered nature makes it ideal for children, however caution around boat traffic further into the harbour is advised. Toilets and changing rooms are located on the beach front with plenty of convenient parking nearby. This site is monitored as a part of Greater Wellington Regional Council’s Recreational Water Quality Monitoring Programme, which is specifically designed to inform the public about the suitability of various sites across the region for swimming and other recreational activities.
