Eye on water quality

Staff Reporter | Monday, November 14, 2011 10:00

The Waitaki catchment's water quality is to be monitored by Environment Canterbury.

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The Waitaki catchment is one of 50 freshwater and 45 coastal swimming spots where Environment Canterbury will begin water quality monitoring.

At freshwater river sites the council will also be on the alert for mats of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) species such as Phormidium, which can produce toxins that are dangerous to humans, stock and dogs.

There is a greater risk of potentially toxic cyanobacteria mats occurring during periods of low river flow and warm temperatures.

People are warned to look out for areas of rivers where black cyanobacteria mats are growing or forming scums. Dogs should be kept out of these waters and swimmers should avoid infested areas.

This summer Environment Canterbury staff and three university students - two in Christchurch and one in Timaru - will take water samples and keep an eye out for cyanobacteria mats each week for 15 weeks.

The results are updated weekly on the Environment Canterbury website.

Environment Canterbury warns that even good swimming sites should be avoided immediately after heavy rainfall, which can wash contaminants into the rivers or sea.