Auckland's most contaminated beaches have been revealed by Safeswim, and the results aren't great for one of the city's most iconic swimming spots.
Beaches across Auckland were tested for water quality from November 1 2017 to April 30 2018 with Takapuna Beach deemed unsafe for swimming for almost a third of that period due to potential exposure to human and animal waste.
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Safeswim told Newshub Nation that work is currently under way to trace and detect the sources of dirty water that have been detected at six different points along the beach.
In testing, beaches are graded either green, amber or red to indicate risk of infection. Red indicates a high risk, amber means low to moderate and green means a negligible risk.
Only two beaches from the 84 tested were given a green rating all summer long - Bethells Beach and North Piha.
Anchor Bay, Cheltenham, Devonport, Goat Island, Kendall Bay, Omaha and Tawharanui were all also deemed to "show evidence of consistently high water quality" but Safeswim says further testing is needed.
The beaches of the Manukau Harbour had some of the most consistently poor results, though Auckland Council says it has successfully remove all sewage water inputs into the area and most waste in the water is now from bird populations.
Other beaches still affected by sewer discharge include Pt Chevalier, Meola Reef, Cox's Bay, Herne Bay, Home Bay, St Marys Bay and Judges Bay.
Safeswim is a joint initiative between Auckland Council, Watercare, Surf Lifesaving Northern Region and the Auckland Regional Public Health Service.
Visit the website for up-to-date data on your local beach.
Newshub Nation.
