Health Warning – Unsafe Recreational Water Quality At Otaio River And Waihao River

Health New Zealand has issued a health warning after high
levels of faecal bacteria were found in samples taken from
Otaio River at Otaio Gorge and Waihao River at Gum Tree Road
(Don’s Hole).

Dr Cheryl Brunton, Medical Officer of
Health for the National Public Health Service, says water
quality at the affected sites is not considered suitable for
recreational use, including swimming, because of the risk to
health from the bacteria and other pathogens.

Water
contaminated by human or animal faecal matter may contain a
range of disease-causing micro-organisms such as viruses,
bacteria and protozoa.

Other popular swimming sites in
South Canterbury may also have high levels of contamination
after recent rainfall. People should avoid all rivers, lakes
and beaches within 48 hours of significant rain.

For
further details visit: 
https://www.lawa.org.nz/explore-data/canterbury-region

To
contact your local National Public Health Service office
visit: 
https://info.health.nz/locations/canterbury/national-public-health-service-canterbury-west-coast

To
keep up to date with current health warnings visit:
https://info.health.nz/health-alerts

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