Is it safe to swim?
https://archive.gw.govt.nz/safetoswim
Is it safe to swim?
Summer is a great time to enjoy our coast and waterways, but there are some times and places where caution is needed.
Go to Land, Air, Water Aotearoa (LAWA) to check the suitability for swimming today, and to get the latest alerts.
How to know when it's safe to swim
During the summer swim season, it's important to check if it's safe to swim before you, your family, or your pets get in the water. Sometimes, there can be harmful bacteria or toxic algae in our waterways, which makes the water unsafe to swim in.
Harmful bacteria can end up in rivers, streams and harbours due to storm water and runoff. This can contain waste from animals and land, and sometimes untreated human waste from sewage overflows.
Harmful bacteria is more likely to be an issue after heavy rain. A good rule of thumb is to wait 48 hours after heavy rain before getting in the water, this applies to freshwater and the sea.
Always check the Land, Air, Water Aotearoa (LAWA) website to see if it's safe to swim.
If you notice a problem with water quality you can report it on 0800 496 734 at any time.
Our water monitoring
Greater Wellington coordinates water quality sampling at over 80 freshwater and coastal sites in the region during the summer months. This regular sampling, along with real-time data, is used to predict the water quality at specific swimming spots around the Greater Wellington Region.
More information about how we monitor swimming spots.
Toxic Algae
When the weather is hot and dry our rivers can produce toxic algal blooms. We monitor for toxic algae in rivers, and work with local councils across the region to keep you informed. Toxic algae is very harmful to both people and dogs, learning how to spot it is an important way to stay safe.
More information about toxic algae.
Should I swim after heavy rain?
Heavy rain flushes contaminants from urban and rural land into waterways, so we advise you to check whether it’s safe for you to swim before getting in the water, even at sites that generally have good water quality.
Check that the water is clean and clear before taking a dip. This can be a significant health risk after heavy rain.
If you notice a problem with water quality call the Environment 24hr Hotline - 0800 496 734.
Further information
More information about toxic algae.
More information about how we monitor swimming spots.
Get in touch for advice
Phone: 0800 496 734
Email: info@gw.govt.nz
If you are travelling outside of the Greater Wellington region you can find national water quality information on LAWA. LAWA is a key resource for measuring the current state of New Zealand's waterways and shows longer-term trends, information and data.
