Swimmers are being advised to avoid the popular Judges Bay swimming spot in central Auckland after high levels of bacteria were found during routine testing.
Auckland Council has put up warning signs at the bay to advise swimmers and other beach users of the poor water quality since high levels of bacteria were found by a monitoring programme which tests water quality across 63 of Auckland's beaches.
Auckland Council regional and environmental control manager Marcus Herrmann said the council had yet to confirm what had caused the high reading.
"There are a number of factors, including the effect of the recent rainfall washing matter into the bay, that could have influence on the levels of bacteria.
"The beach is not closed, there are signs up advising against swimming. Samples will be taken at high tide every day and once we have a good result the signs will get taken down.''