Health Warning – Unsafe Recreational Water Quality
Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora has issued a health warning after high levels of faecal bacteria were found in samples taken from:
- Selwyn River / Waikirikiri at Glentunnel,
- Selwyn River /Waikirikiri at Whitecliffs,
- Opihi River at Raincliff Bridge,
- Opihi River at Saleyards Bridge,
- Opihi at Allandale Bridge (SH79),
- Kahutura at SH1,
- South Bay,
- Peketā Beach,
- Pines Beach,
- Waihī River at Wilson St Footbridge,
- Ōrāri River at Gorge,
- Hae Hae Te Moana River at Te Moana Gorge,
- Waihī River at Gorge,
- Temuka River- Te Umu Kaha at SH1,
- Lake Rua - Roto Kohatu Reserve,
- Waimakariri River upstream of the Old Highway Bridge North Bank.
Dr Salter, Medical Officer of Health for the National Public Health Service, says water quality at these sites are not considered suitable for recreational uses including swimming because of the risk to health from the bacteria and other pathogens.
Eating shellfish from these sites should be avoided. If fish are eaten, remove the gut and liver and wash in clean water before cooking. For further information on gathering Mahinga Kai refer to information below.
Water contaminated by human or animal faecal matter may contain a range of disease-causing micro-organisms such as viruses, bacteria and protozoa.
“In most cases the ill-health effects from exposure to contaminated water are minor and short-lived. However, there is the potential for more serious diseases, such as Hepatitis A or Salmonella infection,” Dr Salter says.
A number of other popular swimming sites in Waitaha | Canterbury may also have high levels of contamination after recent rainfall. People should avoid all rivers and beaches for at least two days after heavy rain.