Bathing Water Quality reports
Since 2013, Nelson City Council has invested $2 million into research, monitoring, infrastructure and community engagement to meet environmental water quality and river health targets.
We monitor water quality at key coastal and river swimming sites throughout the summer and the results are published on the LAWA Can I Swim Here module.
Toxic Algae Cyanobacteria
Toxic algae (also known as Cyanobacteria) is naturally present in many New Zealand waterways. It's found in ‘clean’ rivers but can grow when river flows are low and stable, and temperatures are consistently warm. Council routinely monitors its level and informs the community when action needs to be taken. Learn more in the Toxic Algae section.
Key results for recreational bathing water quality
Nelson’s beach monitoring sites at Tahunanui Beach and Cable Bay have retained Good recreation grades, with Nelson Haven (Atawhai) and Monaco (Wharf) attaining Fair grades. Occasional exceedances have been associated with rainfall events and high spring tides re-suspending washed up debris from the beach.
The Maitai River bathing holes between Maitai Camp and Girlies Hole continue to have Fair-Good grades, with few exceedances over the last ten years.
The Wakapuaka River at Paremata Flats remains at Very Poor, due to contamination from sources including livestock, feral animals and wildfowl upstream of the sampling site.
People are advised not to swim at sites with Poor grades, which are generally unsuitable for swimming, as indicated by historical water quality results.
Initiatives for improving recreational bathing water quality
Working with Landowners
The Nelson City Council Land Management Adviser provides free advice for landowners and financial assistance towards fencing and native plants for riparian planting and biodiversity enhancement. Improving water quality in Nelson’s streams and rivers is a key focus. Further advice is also available on best practice land management and related issues. If you are interested in receiving advice please our Customer Service team +64 3 546 0200 or email nelson.nature@ncc.govt.nz.
Nelson City Council runs an Environmental Grants Scheme which provides funding to individuals or groups that are working on projects that protect, enhance, and restore the health of our local environment. Check out the specific eligibility and application process here.
Nelson City Council Work in Progress
Council has launched Project Mahitahi with the goal of improving the water quality of the Maitai River. A team including Cawthron scientists, Council and NELMAC staff is undertaking investigations to find the sources of bacteria in the Maitai River, including microbial source tracking to test for the presence of human faeces, dye testing wastewater mains to identify leaks, and undertaking continuous bacteria sampling to understand the bacteria transport pathway in the lower Maitai River, Brook Stream and Saltwater Creek.
Annual Monitoring summaries
Monitoring samples for the last 5 years can be viewed on the LAWA: Can I swim here? site. Search for Nelson, find your swimming hole and clink on ‘Why this status?’ for the most up-to-date results.
Previous years monitoring summaries below:
