Nearly all Auckland beaches unsafe to swim at after heavy rainfall

Nearly all of Auckland's beaches have been deemed unsafe to swim at after Monday morning's heavy rain and severe thunderstorms.

Auckland Council's SafeSwim website says its water quality models predict that levels of Faecal Indicator Bacteria breach national guidelines for swimming for most beaches, hence its warnings. 

The city recorded more than a month's worth of rain in 10 hours overnight, leaving roads submerged, businesses flooded, and many cars in need of a tow.

While the sun is now peeking out from the clouds and the wild weather is expected to move further down the country, SafeSwim warns that nearly all of the city's beaches are hazardous to swim at because of recent wastewater overflow.

Photo credit: SafeSwim

Only a handful of beaches were considered safe to swim at on Monday afternoon. These are: 

  • Wenderholm
  • Waiwera Beach
  • Beach Haven
  • Onetangi
  • Orere Point
  • Sandspit
  • Cornwallis Beach
  • Karekare Lagoon
  • Karekare Beach
  • Piha Beach
  • Piha North Beach
  • Lake Wainamu
  • Bethells Beach
  • Muriwai.

You can see up to date information on Auckland beach conditions on the SafeSwim website.

Contact Newshub with your story tips:
news@newshub.co.nz