Bremner Bay swimmers can now check weekly water quality results before taking a dip, thanks to a new community-led testing programme running until the end of summer.

The newly formed Bremner Bay Catchment Group has begun sampling at the beach every Tuesday. 

After the samples are sent to Christchurch’s Hill Labs for testing, the results are published online and accessible via QR codes at the bay so locals and visitors can see when it is safe to swim.

Group member Murray Gifford said the project aimed to give people practical, up-to-date information, fill a gap in existing monitoring, and improve awareness of issues affecting water quality.

Samples are taken from two locations (the middle of the bay and the nearby stormwater drain which flows directly into the lake) and early testing is already demonstrating the importance of the old adage to avoid swimming for 24-48 hours after heavy rain.

After a recent rain event, E. coli levels by the stormwater drain were above 2,000 - far above the 260 E. coli per 100ml considered safe for swimming. Even in the bay itself, readings rose to almost 1,500, before dropping below the safe swimming threshold a couple of days later.

The testing gives swimmers timely guidance on water safety, while also showing how everyday actions affect the bay - and how the community can contribute to the group’s vision of a cleaner and safer Bremner Bay.

People can use the QR code on signs on the beach to read the latest water quality testing results before heading into the water.

The drain collects runoff from a wide area above Bremner Bay, “right up to the ridge, up Aubrey Road, Hikuwai, Forest Heights and so on”, Murray said.

All sorts of waste can end up in the stormwater system, eventually reaching the lake. Murray said there was a recent incident where polystyrene balls from a bean bag entered the system and were left strewn across the beach.

The newly-formed group is “about providing education”, Murray said, but “a long-term goal could be to get some treatment of the stormwater before it enters the lake”.

The Bremner Bay Catchment Group was formed through WAI Wānaka’s Urban Catchment programme, with support from the Otago Catchment Community and Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC). 

QLDC parks officer Nina Rongokea said it was “a great example of community action protecting freshwater and keeping people informed”.

To check the latest Bremner Bay water quality testing results, use the QR codes at one of two signs at the beach, or click here.

PHOTOS: Wānaka App