Swimmers and Surfers Reminded to Avoid Dunedin’s Lawyers Head

Dunedin (Thursday, 10 January 2013) – Swimmers and surfers should continue to avoid the waters around Lawyers Head until further notice, the Dunedin City Council advises.

Dunedin City Council Water and Waste Services Manager Dr Laura McElhone says the Council and Public Health South would like to remind the public about signs currently in the Lawyers Head area which advise against swimming, collecting shellfish, or contact with sea water; due to the results of recent water quality testing.

Water samples taken on Tuesday and Wednesday show contamination limits for swimming were breached, although the levels are dropping.

Dr McElhone says none of the other city beaches are affected. It is unclear why the higher Enterococci readings have occurred, but it is likely to be due to natural environmental conditions, such as hot weather and a high number of sea birds in the area.

Medical Officer of Health, Public Health South, Dr Marion Poore says people need to be aware that if they are in contact with the water, they are at risk of getting gastroenteritis.

Dr McElhone says the UV disinfection plant at the Tahuna Wastewater Treatment Plant is operational and there is nothing to indicate the higher readings are linked to the Tahuna plant.

“All the other beaches are showing very low counts.”

There will be daily testing at Lawyers Head until the readings have dropped to acceptable levels.

ENDS

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