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Managing our Environment

Water Quality

Otago has some of the best water quality in New Zealand and we want to keep it that way. We assess water quality through our network of monitoring sites which measure the state and trends of water quality around the region.

   

During the summer months (December to March) we carry out recreational water quality monitoring at 25 popular swimming spots around Otago (rivers, lakes, and beaches). The results of this weekly monitoring are available on LAWA.  Samples are taken every Monday with the results being available on Wednesday. 

ORC also carries out monthly State of the Environment (SOE) water quality testing around Otago. SOE monitoring results are based on five years' of data taken when the flow site was at or below median flow.

Together these measures give us a short-term and a long-term view of the health of our waterways. To find out more about your local waterways, follow the links below.

    

Report Pollution

If you observe an instance of pollution to water, air, or land in Otago, call the Pollution Hotline which is staffed 24/7 on 0800 800 033 to report it or fill in the form. Read more

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