Although they are up and down, graphed results show bacteria levels in the Mowhanau have improved overall since 2004 when testing began.
At that time there were three dairy sheds in the Mowhanau Catchment. They discharged effluent into gullies and waterways but have since changed to land disposal.
The council has sent samples away to find out where all that E. coli comes from. For Mowhanau it is up to 50 per cent from cattle or sheep. The Kai Iwi has some from birds. For the Ototoka it is 50 to 100 per cent from cattle and sheep, especially cattle.
All the streams are at the bottom of their catchments, Horizons natural resources and partnerships manager Jon Roygard said. They collect all the run-off from source to sea.
The council has put some intensive work into the Mowhanau and Kai Iwi catchments. Waterways have been fenced off from stock, and planted.
Uptake there has been good. But the amount of E. coli bacteria from sheep and cattle in the stream shows more is needed.
"Landowners looking to do fencing and planting, they could give us a call. We are very keen to chat with landowners in that area," Roygard said.
The streams will not always be unsuitable for swimming. But people should be especially cautious if the water is running brown and discoloured, and if it has rained within the last three days.
The are advised not to put their heads under or drink the water, or to swim when they have open wounds. Young children and pregnant women need to be especially careful.
STANDARDS FOR SWIMMING WATER
+ Don't swim - 550 E. coli or more per 100ml
+ Swim with caution - 260-550 E. coli per 100ml
+ Okay to swim - less than 260 E. coli per 100ml
+ Excellent for swimming - less than 130 E. coli per 100ml
E. COLI BACTERIA
+ Found in the guts of sheep, cattle, humans, birds
+ Not usually a problem in themselves
+ Can indicate the presence of nasties like giardia
POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF SWIMMING WITH HIGH BACTERIA COUNTS
+ Sore throat
+ Sore tummy
+ Ear infection
