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Health Warning for swimming after heavy rainfall
Health Warning for swimming after heavy rainfall
The Community and Public Health division of Canterbury District Health Board has issued a health warning for swimming for at least 48 hours after heavy rainfall (more than 10mm rainfall over a 24 hour period).
Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Dr Alistair Humphrey says “rainfall in the Canterbury region in the last week from ex-Cyclone Gita is likely to cause many swimming spots to pose an increased risk of infection.”
Water can be contaminated during heavy rainfall from surface water runoff, overloaded septic systems, sewage overflows and backflow, rural runoff and sediment.
Water contaminated by human or animal faecal bacteria 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, giardia, cryptosporosis, campylobacter and salmonella,” Dr Humphrey says.
Environment Canterbury routinely sample sites for microbiological suitability for swimming however it is also important to note that the test results are only a snapshot of conditions at the time of testing, and if there has been heavy rain since, it’s likely the water quality will be worse.
For more information about swimming water quality visit LAWA (Land Air Water Aotearoa) or the Environment Canterbury website:
https://www.lawa.org.nz/explore-data/swimming/
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/your-region/your-environment/water/swimming-water-quality
Or Contact Community and Public Health
https://www.cph.co.nz/your-health/recreational-water/
For more information on Mahinga kai:
ENDS
Canterbury DHB
CDHB
Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) is a Christchurch, New Zealand based hospital and healthcare provider for the
Canterbury region of New Zealand. Our region extends from Kekerengu in the North, to Rangitata in the South and Arthurs Pass in the West and comprises the six Territorial Local Authorities of Kaikoura, Hurunui, Waimakariri, Christchurch City, Selwyn and Ashburton.
We collaborate with other health and disability organisations, stakeholders and our community to decide what health and disability services are needed and how to best use the funding we receive from Government to improve, promote and protect the health, wellbeing and independence of our population.
At the Canterbury DHB, our vision is to improve the health and wellbeing of people living in Canterbury.
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