Published: 3:52PM Thursday September 04, 2014 Source: ONE News

Bethells Beach - Source: ONE News

Water quality at some of Auckland's beaches was near perfection last summer and greatly improved overall from the year before, a report says.

Armour Bay, Takapuna Beach, Big Bucklands Beach, Little Oneroa Beach, Blockhouse Bay and Bethells Beach came out on top when tested for water quality.

1,021 samples were taken from Auckland beaches as part of Auckland Council's Safeswim beach water quality programme.

The programme monitors water quality at 69 sites, taking samples once a week. According to the report, 92% of 1,401 water samples taken at Auckland's beaches for the summer period November to March met health guidelines.

Safeswim beaches and freshwater sites are selected for monitoring on the basis of their usage and history. Where issues are identified, health warning signs are promptly erected and re-tests are done; the signs remain up until the water is shown to be safe.

Last summer, the total number of days that warning signs stayed up reduced by 23%, compared to the previous 2012/13 swim season.

"This report is a reminder about the water quality improvements Auckland has made," says Wayne Walker, chair of the Environment, Climate Change and Natural Heritage committee.

"Protecting our coastline is a priority and will continue to be part of what Aucklanders cherish most about our city."

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Water quality at Auckland beaches near perfect