Laingholm Beach is safe to swim again following the lifting of a permanent health warning that had been in place since 2016.
Mayor Phil Goff says the improved water quality shows the value of investing in Auckland’s environment.
“Our beaches are much-loved by Aucklanders, whose support for the water quality targeted rate is allowing us to complete the clean-up of our waterways 20 years faster than had previously been planned,” he said.
“I’m thrilled that Laingholm Beach has been made swimmable again in time for summer, joining other beaches such as Armour Bay, Taumanu East, Clarks Beach and Weymouth Beach, which were reopened last year after being closed for as long as 20 years.”
Recent water quality testing revealed the improved water quality status, and Laingholm Beach will display a ‘green pin’ on the Safeswim website this summer during dry weather and after low rainfall. As with other urban beaches, it will display a ‘red pin’ after heavy rainfall.
The beach has displayed a permanent health warning sign since 2016 because it has been affected by human, avian and canine faecal contamination.
“It’s great news for the community, I’m so glad locals are able to swim at their beach again this summer,” says Councillor Richard Hills, Chair of the Environment & Climate Change Committee.
“This shows our commitment to improving water quality, fixing our infrastructure and celebrating the hard work the community has put in.”
The Laingholm community have played a large part in achieving this result.
“Our thanks to the Laingholm Wai Ora community group who collected water samples over the past few months, enabling us to lift the health warning,” says Nick Vigar, Auckland Council Safeswim programme manager.
“To hear our beach will be open for summer is incredible news. Thanks to the dedication of our volunteers, and the support of Safeswim and council, Laingholm can once again enjoy its beautiful beach.”
It’s a big win for Laingholm residents.
“In all the years I've been volunteering for Laingholm's environment, I have never seen the community so mobilised,” says Deirdre Green from Laingholm Wai Ora.
“People really came out in force and joined together to push for this fantastic result.”
Council will continue work in Laingholm, investigating the public and private wastewater and stormwater networks.
“Now that Laingholm Beach is swimmable again, we want to ensure we maximise its swimmability. This work will continue to improve the water quality of Laingholm Beach by identifying incorrectly connected or damaged wastewater and stormwater pipes,” adds Nick Vigar.
Before you head to a beach this summer, check Safeswim for live information on water quality and swimming conditions: www.safeswim.org.nz.
To report any pollutants in our streams or beaches, call the pollution hotline on 09 377 3107 (24 hours a day, seven days a week).
