The Northland Regional Council was looking for faecal bacteria to gauge the risk of gastrointestinal contraction at a number of Northland locals, including the Whangarei Falls. High bacteria levels at popular Northland swimming spots have prompted an investigation into where the pollution is coming from. An annual summer water quality programme run by Northland Regional Council showed consistently elevated bacterial levels at Kerikeri, Whangarei Falls and Waipu's Piroa Falls. Council was looking for faecal bacteria to gauge the risk of gastrointestinal contraction and other infections people could be at risk of contracting while using beaches, rivers and lakes for swimming, Shepherd said. While water quality was generally suitable for swimming at open coastal beaches, bacterial levels were occasionally elevated at a few coastal sites - and many Northland river sites - particularly after heavy rain.

Source: Stuff March 12, 2019 03:00 UTC