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Beaches cleared for recreational use
Beaches cleared for recreational use but rivers remain contaminated
Water testing results carried out by
ECAN and Christchurch City Council have revealed high levels
of human faecal contamination in all Canterbury Rivers,
river mouths and the Estuary, but minimal contamination on
beaches from Taylors Mistake as far north as Woodend beach.
The Avon River is particularly badly affected east of the
Fitzgerald Avenue Bridge, but West of the Fitzgerald Avenue
Bridge the river is at the pre-earthquake level.
Canterbury Medical Officer of Health, Dr Alistair Humphrey, said “This is great news for surfers who want to get out this weekend, but sadly it looks as if the estuary and the rivers will remain contaminated until all the sewerage pipes can be fixed, which could take several months. This means that shellfish and whitebait are dangerous as they will be contaminated with human faeces. Consumption could lead to gastroenteritis, hepatitis or other serious health conditions.”
Community and Public Health are planning to work with kayakers, rowers and yachting clubs to consider what remedial action needs to be taken over the summer to ensure their safety. In the meantime, signage will remain in place warning of the danger of coming into contact with contaminated water.
Community and Public Health, in conjunction with ECAN, the Christchurch City Council and other local authorities monitor the quality of recreational water at several key sites and put up signage when results indicate that the water may be dangerous.
“As soon as the data indicates that human contamination is no longer occurring we will remove the signs” said Dr. Humphrey “ but if you see a warning sign please do not go in the water or collect shellfish or whitebait. The signs are there for a reason - please do not ignore them.”
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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