Wainuiomata River at Richard Prouse Park
The Wainuiomata River at Richard Prouse Park is located in the upper catchment to the west of Wainuiomata. The site can be publicly accessed from Richard Prouse Park from Hine Road. It is a popular spot for swimmers due to the deep pools found there.
This site is monitored as a part of Greater Wellington Regional Council’s Recreational Water Quality Programme, which is specifically designed to inform the public about the suitability of various sites across the region for swimming and other recreational activities.
The safety of water for swimming is determined by measuring ‘faecal indicator bacteria’ (E. coli) which indicates the likely levels of pathogens in the water. Monitoring is conducted on a weekly basis over the summer months (December to March).
Water quality can be poor at this site even during dry weather. Faecal contamination has been linked to stock access to streams as well as human sewage and birds. Hutt City Council is currently investigating septic tanks and sewers in the upstream catchment.
The site can also be affected by cyanobacteria (also known as “toxic algae”) blooms during the summer. For the latest toxic algae warnings and other water quality information, please go to the GWRC website, or check out the latest recreational water quality reports.