Health Warning – Unsafe Recreational Water Quality At Duvauchelle Bay

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora has issued a health
warning after high levels of faecal bacteria were found in
samples taken from Duvauchelle Bay.

Dr Cheryl Brunton,
Medical Officer of Health for the National Public Health
Service, says – “Water quality at the affected site is
not considered suitable for recreational uses including
swimming because of the risk to health from the bacteria and
other pathogens.”

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.

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.

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/mahingakaifaq.pdf

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