Health Warning – Unsafe Recreational Water Quality At South Bay And Peketā Beaches And Kahutara River Upstream Of SH1

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora has issued a health
warning after high levels of faecal bacteria were found in
samples taken from South Bay and Peketā Beaches and
Kahutara River upstream of State Highway 1.

Dr Claire
Salter, Public Health Medicine 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 North 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 Salter
says.

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

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