Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Local Govt | National News Video | Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Search

 

Dirty water in beach outfalls prompts warning

Media Release

Dirty water in beach outfalls prompts warning

30 January 2015

Bay of Plenty Regional Council is warning people not to swim or play in beach outfalls, stormwater drains or ponds following the region’s long period of hot, dry weather.

Regional Council Water scientist Paul Scholes said because of the weather, many stormwater drains and ponds had had little or no flow leaving the water at risk of bacterial contamination.

“The water is sitting stagnant, and the high temperatures we’ve been having increases bacteria and a build-up of other contaminants which could be a health risk to both people and pets.”

Water at Harrisons Cut outfall onto Papamoa Beach, where families often swim and paddle, is being regularly monitored for health risks. Tauranga City Council has deepened the channel across the beach to allow better tidal flow up the drain to improve water flows.

Mr Scholes said people should not swim or paddle there.

“Stormwater may look clean, but it has washed off roofs and roads, and may be contaminated by ducks and other avian species. Swimming or paddling in stormwater ponds or near stormwater pipe outlets could make you sick.

“Pets should also be kept out of stormwater ponds and drains, as they too can be affected by water-borne bacteria,” he said.

Low flows and hot summer weather could also affect water quality in popular swimming spots. The Regional Council monitors swimming water quality more than 80 popular coastal, river and lake recreation sites around the Bay of Plenty for bacteria and for toxin-forming algae.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

Latest results are published on the Regional Council’s websitewww.boprc.govt.nz/swimmingwaterquality. For current health warnings see Toi Te Ora Public Health’s website www.ttophs.govt.nz/health_warnings

Ends


© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines



Gordon Campbell: On Dune 2, And Images Of Islam


Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture tends to be hostile to Islam when we’re sitting in the dark, with popcorn.
Any number of movie examples come to mind, beginning with Rudolf Valentino’s role (over a century ago) as the romantic Arab hero in The Sheik...
More


 
 


Government: One-stop Shop Major Projects On The Fast Track

The Coalition Government’s new one-stop-shop fast track consenting regime for regional and national projects of significance will cut red tape and make it easier for New Zealand to build the infrastructure and major projects needed to get the country moving again... More

ALSO:


Government: GPS 2024: Over $20 Billion To Get Transport Back On Track
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, outlining the Coalition Government’s plan to build and maintain a transport system that enables people to get to where they need to go quickly and safely... More

ALSO:

Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.