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