Health Warning Lifted At Waimakariri River Between Highway Bridges

Latest water testing results show faecal bacteria levels
in Waimakariri River Between Highway Bridges are now below
guideline values and suitable for recreational use. The
health warning issued on December 28, 2024 for Waimakariri
River between Highway Bridges has been removed.

Dr
Cheryl Brunton, Medical Officer of Health for the National
Public Health Service, says it’s great news for swimmers
and other recreational water users in Waimakariri River
Between Highway Bridges who would have been avoiding the
water following the high levels of contamination recently.
“They can now get back in the water without the increased
risk of illness.” Dr Brunton says.

When a health
warning is in place, water quality at affected sites is not
considered suitable for recreational uses including swimming
because of the risk to health from the bacteria and other
pathogens.

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

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

Or
contact Te Mana Ora | Community and Public Health on (03)
364 1777:

https://www.cph.co.nz/your-health/recreational-water/

For
more information about Mahinga Kai:

https://www.cph.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/saf0112.pdf

© Scoop Media