Swimming Safely This Summer: assessing water quality w/ Land Air Water Aotearoa: January 12, 2021

Another important consideration when heading to a beach for a swim this summer is the quality of our water. For a scientific perspective on water quality, I spoke with Land Air Water Aotearoa’s ‘Can I swim here?’ Science Lead Anna Madarasz-Smith. Anna speaks on how water quality is assessed by LAWA, how the pubic can find information on polluted waterways and what impact potentially toxic algae can have on people and animals. 

Check out www.lawa.org.nz to get regularly updated water quality data for your local beach or waterway. The website can also tell you whether waterways are safe for your dog!

This is part one of a two part piece. Part one looks at the risks the public can face when swimming at the beach in an interview with Surf Life Saving New Zealand’s Northern Region Chief Executive Matt Williams. Listen here.