Lifeguard Dan Lee said a sign warning people of the water quality was put out at noon yesterday and would remain until 7pm.

Martin Neale, technical lead for Auckland Council's Safeswim system, acknowledged there had been a "little bit of a gap" where no signage had been set up on the beach.

That was because the signs were put out by and managed by surf lifeguards, who didn't start patrolling until midday.

A large digital sign was planned to be installed at the beach by the end of the month.

But Neale said the Safeswim website was designated to be peoples' primary source of information.

"We've spoken to colleagues in Melbourne who have told us that once people have made the effort to drive to a beach, they are going to go in the water anyway, so what we are trying to do is capture people before they drive there."

The website provides water quality forecasts and information about health and safety risks at 84 beaches around Auckland.

Takapuna was one of a number of Auckland beaches that was considered unsafe for swimming, though these change periodically.

Meanwhile Auckland mayor Phil Goff has proposed a targeted rate of $1.30 a week per household which would be used solely for improving water quality.

Herald readers have mixed views on paying to keep the beaches clean. Ali Herring said beaches were part of the Kiwi culture.

"Why be a Kiwi if you can't swim at the beach? I can't wait for them to start the levy."

Graham Alder was happy to pay to keep the beach, though argued what he was paying in rates should cover that already.