Pohangina at Totara Reserve, Manawatu District. This popular swimming and camping spot is found nestled in the Pohangina Valley about 50 minutes drive from Palmerston North. Water quality at Totara Reserve is almost always good. 

Rangitikei at Vinegar Hill, Rangitikei District. Recognised for its stunning scenery, Vinegar Hill is a great camping and swimming spot during summer. This site is suitable for swimming following three or more days of no rainfall and if the river is clear. 

Manganui o te Ao at Ruatiti Domain, Ruapehu District. This camp site is a great place for families to relax on a hot day. Take a dip or fish in the National Water Conservation River, the Manganui o te Ao, which is generally good for swimming during summer. 

Tasman Sea at Waiterere Beach, Horowhenua District. This spot is great for young families and fishermen alike. There's plenty of campgrounds to choose from for a longer stay and the beach offers large sand dunes and an overall low risk water quality rating. 

Whanganui at Mosquito Point, Wanganui District. This picturesque spot is a favourite for the locals. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the shaded grassy area before taking a dip in the Whanganui River. 

Manawatu at Ferry Reserve, Tararua District. At the Ballance Bridge end of the Manawatu Gorge, Ferry Reserve provides perfect spots for camping. It's also an idyllic place for a family picnic before taking a dip in the Manawatu River. 

Manawatu at Waitoetoe Park, Palmerston North City. Waitoetoe Park is a lovely open park ideal for an afternoon swim and run around with the dog. The swimming hole is a sheltered spot, and great for families. 

WHAT WE LOOK FOR AND WHAT WE DO

We often hear about levels of bacteria (E.coli) or cyanobacteria as indicators of water quality but what are they? Why do we measure them and why do we need to be wary if they reach high levels?

Common sources of E.coli are untreated human wastewater discharges, stormwater run-off and animal waste. Too much E.coli means that the water is unsafe to drink or swim in and can cause infection. Cyanobacteria (commonly known as blue-green algae) inhabit all natural waters and usually only become a problem when they increase to high coverage, forming excessive 'blooms', usually during summer when it's warm and river levels are stable. Cyanobacterial species are known to produce toxins that can be a threat to humans and animals if consumed or contracted during recreational activities so Horizons will always look for cyanobacteria when monitoring a swim spot. 

In addition to swim spot monitoring, Horizons undertakes a number of programmes to proactively improve water quality. These include working with city and district councils to ensure their wastewater treatment plants are performing as they should be, creating riparian strips (through planting) to absorb nutrients and filter run-off before it enters our waterways, and fencing streams and rivers to exclude livestock. We also 

Above: One of our monitoring staff receives a helping hand from ducks at Hokowhitu Lagoon

have the Sustainable Land Use Initiative (SLUI) which aims to reduce sediment (a source of E.coli and phosphorous) entering our rivers via run-off from the Region's hill country land. A Landcare Research report which assessed the impact of SLUI on sediment levels in the Region's rivers, was commissioned by Horizons in 2013. The closest scenario to how SLUI currently operates predicted the annual sediment load in rivers will reduce by 27 percent as a result of SLUI works by 2043. 

If you are interested in finding out more on E.coli, cyanobacteria and the science behind the measuring and reporting of these indicators check out the handy fact sheets at www.lawa.org.nz.

STAYING SAFE AT YOUR SWIM SPOT

While enjoying your favourite swim spots around our Region, we encourage you to make sensible choices. The general guideline is "if the water is clean and clear, and it's a sunny day, it should be safe to swim". But please keep in mind that safe swimming at our beaches and rivers is about more than just water quality.

Horizons Regional Council spokesperson for water quality Abby Matthews says that even though the water may be clean and clear, swimmers need to be aware of hazards such as cliffs, strong currents and submerged logs, rocks or trees in rivers and rips at our beaches.

"These types of hazards can pose real risks to swimmers, we encourage people to swim to their ability and if at a patrolled beach, swim between the flags," she says.

Following heavy rain and at high flows, rivers can be dangerous irrespective of E.coli levels as they 

may contain debris, sediment and pathogens in runoff from homes, streets or farms.

"As a precaution, we recommend the public avoid swimming for three days after rainfall," says Ms Matthews. 

Visit www.surflifesaving.org.nz for a full list of patrolled beaches in our Region. 

GET READY TO GET THRU THIS SUMMER

Summer holidays are almost upon us! This means we get to enjoy more time at our favourite spots with friends and family. While holidays are a time for us to revel in, it is also important to stay safe, whether we are heading away or remaining home. 

Staying safe starts on the roads. The Region's highways will be extra busy over the Christmas/New Year period. We encourage you to be cautious, drive to the conditions, take breaks if you are tired and allow plenty of time to get to your destination. 

Even during the summer months, severe weather or even disaster can strike. The Manawatu-Whanganui Region can be susceptible to floods and storms at any time of year.

Horizons Emergency Management Manager, Ian Lowe encourages you to have a plan if disaster or extreme weather strikes while on holiday. 

"If you are away on holiday, agree on a meeting place for your family, such as a friend's house or holiday accommodation," he says.

Above: Check out our tsunami guide and evacuation maps here

If swimming at the beach, keep in mind that New Zealand's entire coastline is at risk of tsunami - a handy reminder following the events of Kaikoura recently.

"If you are at the beach and experience a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up, or a weak rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more, see a sudden rise or fall in sea level or hear loud and unusual noises from the sea, move immediately to the nearest high ground, or as far inland as you can," says Mr Lowe. 

For more information please visit www.happens.nz or like our Civil Defence Manawatu Wanganui Facebook page for the latest updates.