Warning signs at Mission Bay beach have been taken down following sampling and testing yesterday that show the water quality has returned to normal.

The signs were put up on Wednesday afternoon after a surprisingly poor result from the weekly Safeswim test.

Acting Chief Operating Officer Ian Maxwell says he is pleased to see that Aucklanders and visitors can safely return to swimming at the popular beach.

“This appears to have been a one-off.

“We may never know what caused the issue. It’s highly likely it was a localised ocean source, such as a dead animal or something similar.

“The good news is our testing regime picked it up and we took the sensible precaution of advising people of the risk.

“That risk has now passed and Mission Bay, along with the vast majority of Auckland’s beaches, is safe for swimming.”

People can check out the weekly test results by calling 0800 SAFESWIM (0800 723 379) or visiting www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/safeswim