Frankton Bay – Lake Wakatipu

Otago Regional Council (ORC) water quality samples taken from Frankton Bay at Lake Wakatipu have returned a reduced level of the bacteria E. coli. Results from the sample on Monday 26 February shows 16 E. coli/100 ml. This result means that Frankton Bay is once again suitable for swimming and contact recreation. This is a significant reduction from the previous week’s result, which showed E. coli levels at 921/100 ml. Swim warning signage will be removed from Frankton Bay today.

Government water quality guidelines for recreational swimming areas are that those with less than 260 E. coli/100 ml should be safe, whereas water with more than 550 E. coli/100 ml indicates a potential health risk. The cause of last week’s high E.coli level is still under investigation

Lake Hayes

Following two successive weeks where cyanobacteria levels have reduced, swim warning signage will be removed from Lake Hayes today. On Monday 19 February, the level of cyanobacteria had reduced to a biovolume of 1.32 mm3/L, down from an initial reading the previous week of 3.96 mm3/L. This week, on Monday 26 February, test results show that cyanobacteria levels had reduced again to a biovolume of 1.05 mm3/L. Lake Hayes will continue to be monitored for cyanobacteria on a weekly basis.

ORC would like to remind people recreating in or around Lake Hayes to familiarise themselves with cyanobacteria, and know what to look for before going for a swim or exercising your dog in or around the Lake. 

For more information on cyanobacteria, please see our following link: https://www.orc.govt.nz/managing-our-environment/biodiversity-and-pest-control/pest-control/toxic-algae

To find out more about the water quality at swimming sites in Otago, please see: www.lawa.org.nz/swim