The Otago Regional Council (ORC) is reiterating its advice to stay out of the water for two days after a big rainfall.

Its annual summer recreation monitoring programme, which tests water quality for safe recreation at 29 of Otago’s most popular lake, river and beach swimming sites, has begun.

ORC water scientist Rachel Ozanne said while water quality is generally good across Otago, wet and windy weather can affect water quality, which is why the council advises people to stay out of the water following rainfall.

“When rain falls, it falls on our rooftops, on our roads, into our gutters; the rain and all the contaminants it brings with it eventually enter waterways,” she said. 

Every Monday the ORC team visits popular sites and takes samples, after which they are sent up to a laboratory in Christchurch to be analysed for E.Coli.

Local sites include the Wānaka foreshore at Roys Bay and Lake Hāwea at the holiday park.

The results are automatically posted onto the LAWA website usually by Wednesday afternoon.

“Unfortunately for the first week of testing, it was right after the heavy rain we experienced over the weekend – demonstrating how rain can affect water quality.”

“That’s why it’s best to stay out of the water 48 hours after rainfall,” Rachel said. “If you’re in doubt – if the water looks a bit murky or smelly – choose another spot to swim.”

ORC conducts its weekly monitoring between December and March (inclusive) with weekly results available online at the Land, Air, Water Aotearoa (LAWA) “Can I Swim Here?” site. 

Unlike previous seasons, ORC will not install temporary warning signs when bacteria levels are elevated. 

PHOTO: Wānaka App