Water quality monitoring of swimming beaches in the Waikato region for Waikato Regional Council.

Sampling frequency = Weekly (Dec to Feb); alternating every year between West Coast and Coromandel Peninsula sites.

Sampling began in 1999 and continued until funding for the programme was withdrawn in 2009/10.

Number of sites = 25 total; West Coast (9), Hauraki Gulf (6), Coromandel East Coast (10).

Number of replicates = 1 per site.

Measured variables = Sample taken from top 0.5m water column in water depth approx 1m. Lowest depth in dataset was 2 m.

Water measurements: salinity, temperature, Enterococci.

Number of people swiiming at the site is also recorded.

Sampling protocol & QA = Aim to determine whether the water quality is suitable for contact recreation (for example, swimming).