Decline in freshwater quality with some rainfall

Water quality monitoring carried out by Doubtless Bay Community Care for Our Catchment on 29th April has recorded a deterioration in water quality in a number of waterways in Doubtless Bay.

Rainfall = Increased overland runoff = Deterioration in water quality

The decline in water quality is most likely linked to pollutants being carried overland into rivers and stream with the rainfall experienced last week. The map below represents the results of the Doubtless Bay freshwater quality samples taken on 29 April. For more information on the monitoring programme and all the results, please click here.

The water quality at each site is assessed and reported according to the Ministry for the Environment and Ministry of Health ‘Microbiological Water Quality Guidelines for Marine and Freshwater Recreational Areas’ revised and issued in 2003. The guidelines recommend a three-tier (traffic-light) management framework according to single sample results of E. coli. Please note this information cannot be used as advice or guidance. Water quality can vary over time, and may be different from when the samples were taken.