A website providing water quality information aims to be a one-stop-shop for New Zealanders to find out whether it is safe to swim at their favourite spots.
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The site 'Can I swim here?' was set up by a group that includes councils, the Ministry for the Environment, Massey University and others.
The project's leader, Anna Madarasz-Smith, told Morning Report rainfall information is included so people can see if swimming spots are safe after a big downpour.
"The new revised website has made it really simple for people to be able to understand what the current water quality at their site is, as well as being able to see some of the longer term results.
"Because the basic thing about some of our recreational sites is that at times they won't be suitable."
Ms Madarasz-Smith said the site also includes information about toilet facilities and lifeguard hours of beaches, lakes and rivers.
"We know that rainfall has a huge impact on water quality" - Anna Madarasz-Smith