Manukau Harbour water quality: update

Water quality at Titirangi’s local beaches has long been a problem and a Council/Watercare investigation into the issue, delayed by Covid19, finally got underway in the second half of 2020.

According to Nick Vigar, Auckland Council’s Safeswim programme manager, the now complete investigation shows that a combination of problems with the network and connections on private property is causing the problems at Titirangi Beach, French Bay and Wood Bay. “Public asset investigations and private property investigations have been completed at all three sites by Healthy Waters and Watercare. Public asset investigations evaluate the condition of public stormwater and wastewater assets using techniques such as CCTV, smoke testing and dye testing while private property investigations check commercial and residential private drainage pipes and connections.

He says there were minor issues identified with the networks, including a damaged manhole chamber and a damaged pipe due to a tomo. These issues will be repaired by the relevant network owner.

Additionally, issues were found on private properties.

“During private property inspections the primary issues identified were downpipes plumbed into gully traps, low gully traps (stormwater entering the wastewater network) and a few damaged private laterals. Compliance is working with residents to get these issues repaired.”

Once these are complete, testing will be repeated to determine if the issues are resolved or if there is another cause of the pollution.

“The next step is outlet screening at the beaches where samples are taken at the Safeswim site from stormwater outlets. The aim of this sampling is to confirm that the more intense investigations have improved water quality. This stage takes approximately six months,” says Nick.

If the results of these tests are satisfactory there should be fewer ‘red’ days (the Safeswim icon indicating there is a high risk of illness from swimming) keeping swimmers out of the water at French Bay and the long term health alerts can be removed from Titirangi Beach and Wood Bay, meaning that residents can return to using these beautiful places for swimming and water sports.

Find out about the Safe Networks Programme at www.aucklandcouncil. govt.nz and check the latest water quality info on www.safeswim.org. nz. For updates on Titirangi Beach, join the Facebook group Operation Titirangi Beach.

French Bay Yacht Club supports improving local water quality and has committed to the Clean Regattas programme run by the international organisation Sailors for the Sea as a first step. The club’s February regatta attracted 50 boats from around Auckland and around 80 people took part. The club introduced a waste sorting system, reduced single use plastic significantly, and food scraps were delivered to a flock of local chickens. The club’s approach to sustainability is shown in other ways as well: it encourages members to purchase second-hand boats and gear, employs young local sailors to teach the next generation, and encourages people to ‘sail local’ rather than driving across town. To find out more about the club’s programme visit www.frenchbay.org.nz. Photo by Brent Withers.

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