Menu
Monitoring wetlands Monitoring wetlands

Monitoring, science and research

We are leading and supporting a range of scientific monitoring and research work to improve understanding about freshwater sources, use, availability, quality and how these can best be sustainably managed. 

Good decision making is supported through improving knowledge of our water resources.

Freshwater monitoring

Environmental monitoring to measure changes in our region's land, air and water quality and quantity over time is a useful tool for detecting environmental problems, informing solutions and checking whether restoration efforts are making a difference. It's also a task that regional councils are directed to do under the Resource Management Act.

We use various sampling methods and scientific indicators to actively measure and monitor freshwater quality, quantity and ecological health throughout the Bay of Plenty.

This includes regular recording of E.coli, blue-green algae and nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorous) levels, clarity and turbidity, macro-invertebrates (aquatic insects, snails, shrimps and worms), water temperature, water levels, flow, rainfall; and the use of mātauranga Māori alongside science.

Our monitoring information is supplied to Land Air Water Aotearoa (LAWA) which presents scientific monitoring data and formation on river water quality, lake water quality, recreational water quality, groundwater quality, water quantity, air quality, land cover and estuary health.  

Various sampling methods and scientific indicators are used to measure and monitor freshwater quality throughout the Bay of Plenty.

Bay of Plenty’s monitoring data

Person holding water sample from the Lab

The Water Ecology Tool (WET) is an online tool where we share information from our regular water monitoring programmes.

Water Ecology Tool

Monitoring information is supplied to Land Air Water Aotearoa (LAWA) which presents scientific monitoring data and formation on water quality.

Land Air Water Aotearoa (LAWA) data

Swimming water monitoring

We collect water samples from more than 95 popular coastal, river and lake recreation sites around the Bay of Plenty, weekly or bi-weekly throughout the summer swim season (October- March). The samples are checked for faecal contamination (E. coli or Enterococci bacteria) and/or for toxin-forming algae (cyanobacteria).

Our monitoring information is supplied to Toi Te Ora Public Health who are responsible for issuing health warnings if unsafe levels of bacteria or toxic algae are detected. The information is also supplied to Land Air Water Aotearoa (LAWA). Check out the recreational water quality results at ‘Can I Swim Here?’

Regardless of health warning status:

  • You should avoid swimming for two to three days after heavy or prolonged rain. This is because the water can be contaminated by farm and urban run-off which takes some time to settle out or flush away.
  • Avoid swimming near potential sources of contamination such as flocks of birds, storm water or wastewater outlets.
  • If you suspect an algal bloom is present, don't swim or take part in an activity that may result in accidental consumption or exposure to water affected by algal blooms. 

Mātauranga Māori - Te Kura Huna

Te Kura Huna incorporates Mātauranga Māori (traditional knowledge) in an explanation of how groundwater and the hydrological cycle work, from a local perspective. It explores ground and surface water monitoring and mechanisms, geothermal, planning, consents and our work with tangata whenua.

The following is a list of the key published freshwater documents and research compiled to inform implementation of the National Freshwater Policy for Freshwater Management.  The full list of publications is available here.

More information

Bay of Plenty - Live environmental monitoring

Water Ecology Tool

Environmental publications

LAWA - Water quality monitoring results

LAWA – Can I swim here?