Health Warning – Unsafe Recreational Water Quality At Selwyn River/Waikirikiri At Glentunnel And At Whitecliffs

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora has issued a health
warning after high levels of faecal bacteria were found in
consecutive samples taken from Selwyn River/Waikirikiri at
Glentunnel and at Whitecliffs.

Dr Claire Salter,
Public Health Specialist for the National Public Health
Service, says rainfall in the area in the last few days has
most likely caused the high levels of faecal
bacteria.

“A number of other popular swimming sites
in 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.

“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.”

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 Claire Salter says.

The sites where
water quality is affected are listed on Environment
Canterbury’s website.

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

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