Sponge Bay (offshore)

Quality gradingclose

The Ministry for the Environment and Ministry of Health's Microbiological Water Quality Guidelines for Marine and Freshwater Recreational Areas gives 5 grades ("beach grades") of swimming sites.

• 5 stars = Very good. Satisfactory for swimming at all times and may not require monitoring on a regular basis.
• 4 stars = Good. Satisfactory for swimming most of the time. These sites are monitored throughout the summer; councils are meant to put up warning signs if water quality deteriorates.
• 3 stars = Fair. Generally satisfactory for swimming but have many potential sources of faecal material. Be cautious about swimming during periods of high rainfall - and don't swim if the water is discoloured.
• 2 stars = Poor. Avoid swimming. This applies especially to the very young, the very old and those with compromised immune systems. These sites are likely to have permanent warning signs, but the council may instead monitor the sites once a week and put up temporary warnings.
• 1 star = Very poor. Avoid swimming - there are direct discharges of faecal material. The council is meant to put up a permanent sign that says swimming is not recommended.