Health Warning Signs
Background
Annually the Far North District Council works with Northland Regional Council and Northland Health Ltd to administer the Ministry for the Environment’s Microbiological Water Quality Guidelines for Marine and Freshwater Recreational Areas (2003).
There are a number of coastal and fresh water locations that are monitored throughout the summertime, initially by Northland Regional Council. Where a contamination is found, follow up on further water sampling and investigation is done to to see if the source of the contamination can be attributed to a sewerage discharge, for instance, from a failed septic tank.
Where an on-going contamination is found the “Health Hazard Warning Signs” are erected to advise the public of contamination, and warning against swimming, bathing and collection of shellfish.
The sign remains in place until such time as the contamination is clear, and water sample readings have dropped to an acceptable level.
These signs are uniformly used throughout Northland, which includes the Whangarei and Kaipara District Councils.
Where do I find more information?
If you would like to know about current warnings and the dates and locations enforced please contact us to speak to a Monitoring Officer.
When is it safe to bathe, or swim, or collect shellfish?
It is only safe to bathe or swim, or collect shellfish at a location when the sign has been removed. However, it is advisable to contact us just in case the signs has been vandalized, or removed illegally.
All other locations, at which no Health Warning Signs have been erected, should be fine for bathing, swimming or collecting.
Current Warnings
If you would like to know about current warnings and the dates and locations enforced please contact us.
Page created/updated: 18 August 2009 at 2:06 pm
