Wairarapa rivers on the best swim list

QUALITY: The Tauherenikau River was one of the best in the Greater Wellington region for swimming water quality over summer.

It's official - Wairarapa had some of the best regional swimming spots this summer.

That is less to do with ambience and more to do with water quality, as indicated in Greater Wellington Regional Council's preliminary analysis of beach and river water quality data, published this week.

The best swimming spots were at sites on the Waingawa, Waiohine and Tauherenikau Rivers.

Elsewhere, the Otaki River in Kapiti District, and Breaker and Princess Bays in Wellington rated highly.

Those swimming spots had bacteria counts that met the guideline for safe swimming on all sampling occasions and had an overall grade of "A", which means a very low risk of illness. None of the sites were affected by toxic algae blooms.

The Ruamahanga River and Riversdale Lagoon had a bacteria count that did not meet the guidelines for safe swimming on at least one occasion, rating "D" or "Caution".

The Ruamahanga was also affected by toxic algae blooms over summer.

Also included on the naughty list were parts of Plimmerton Beach, Te Awarua o Porirua Harbour and Titahi Bay in Porirua; Island Bay and Owhiro Bay in Wellington City; Rona Bay, and the Hutt and Wainuiomata rivers in the Hutt.

The online recreational water quality survey http://haveyoursay.gw.govt.nz/rivers-and-coast-users-survey will run until May 13 for people to comment on the results and to get feedback on how, when and where people enjoy the region's rivers and coasts, and what they think about the quality of water.

The council is keen to hear from all ages and there is an opportunity to enter the draw for a 3SIXT HD Sports Action camera or an iPod Shuffle and Bassburger pocket speakers.