Whangamata Harbour water quality investigations, 1999-2000

Five water quality surveys were undertaken during June 1999 to February 2000. Samples were collected from a variety of harbour and stream sites. Purpose: To determine if the Whangamata harbour water is polluted as concerns regarding the quality of the harbour water had been raised by the public.

29 sampling sites including bathing beaches, harbour, causeway, Wentworth River, Waikiekie Stream, and Waikiekie-Moana Pt intertidal. Survey Dates: 24 June 1999, 4 October 1999, 14 December 1999, 12 January 2000, and 10 February 2000. Variables measured: Maximum depth, Salinity, Temperature, Dissolved oxygen, Secchi depth, ammoniacal-nitrogen (amm-N), nitrate and nitritie nitrogen (NNN), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP), total phosphorous (TP), dissolved reactive silica (DSi), faecal coliform (fc), Enterococci (ent).

Whangamata Harbour and Wentworth catchment.

Sampling sites: NZMS 260, Sheet T12 Whangamata Harbour – 655 407 Whangamata Beach North – 657 397 Whangamata Beach South – 660 381 East channel – 648 429 East mid harbour – 649 423 Kaupeka Stream mouth – 638 423 Mid harbour – 646 424 Moanaanuanu Estuary – 642 402 North-east channel – 647 435 North harbour – 644 441 North of hotel – 638 434 Waikiekie Stream/Moana Point – 642 416 Otuwheti Stream North – 638 439 Off Rutherford Rd – 655 407 South mid channel – 654 412 Wharf – 657 406 Causeway – 645 408 Wentworth River (WR) above camp – 603 357 WR ford – 610 360 WR near quarry – 620 375 WR above golf course – 637 381 WR lower river – 645 387 Waikeikie stream SH25 footbridge – 638 414 Mouth of Waikiekie Stream – 642 418 mid bay – 644 416 off Moana Point – 646 414 near Moanaanuanu channel – 648 412

June 1999 – February 2000

Field collection of water quality data using standard field measurements and techniques, and standard laboratory measurements used. Frequency of collection: 5 sample periods

Sample sites varied at Waikiekie-Moana Point survey sites due to the tide. All five harbour surveys were undertaken following periods of lower than average freshwater inflow. Data quality: Standard field and laboratory procedures followed. Attribute accuracy: Standard field and laboratory procedures followed. Completeness: Only 4 of the 13 harbour and causeway sites were sampled on the 14th December 1999 due to high winds. Water temperature was not measured during the surveys of June and October 1999, and dissolved oxygen levels were not measured during the June survey. No attempt was made to collect samples from within the forested area upstream of the DOC camping area.

report, electronic, maps Digital Format: MS Word, MS Excel

Publicly available. Sensitivity/Confidentiality: No restrictions

Complete