Health New Zealand advises people to stay off the south coast beaches and avoid all contact with the water
Wellington, Hutt and Kapiti
Health NZ strongly advise people to avoid contact with water at beaches from Ōwhiro Bay to Breaker Bay following the significant incident at the Moa Point Wastewater Treatment Plant which resulted in untreated sewage discharging into the south coast.
The affected sites (see Wellington Water) are not considered suitable for recreational use including swimming, surfing and kayaking because levels of contamination can change quickly depending on conditions such as rain, wind and tides.
South Coast of Wellington - Wellington Waterexternal link
Public health officials strongly advise against gathering shellfish or kaimoana from the south coast area. Shellfish remain contaminated for weeks after exposure to sewage and eating the contaminated shellfish could make you sick.
Water contaminated by human waste may contain a range of disease-causing bugs such as viruses, bacteria and protozoa.
Seek medical attention and inform the healthcare provider of your possible contact with sewage if you have been exposed to the water, or eaten kaimoana, from the affected area and develop symptoms such as:
- throwing up (vomiting)
- runny poohs (diarrhoea)
- fever
- cough
- rash
- irritation of the ears, nose or throat.
Healthline is a free over-the phone health service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 0800 611 116.
Land Air Water Aotearoa remains the best source of information about the affected area and other areas suitable for recreational use.
Wellington region - Land Air Water Aotearoaexternal link
For more information updates, FAQs and water quality results, visit Wellington Water.