Sewage overflow closes eastern beaches

Due to a sewage overflow, the public is warned not to swim or participate in water activities at eastern beaches until further notice.

The sewage was introduced into the stormwater system following a power failure in the area of the Watercare pump station at Okahu Bay late Friday afternoon. As a precautionary measure warning signs have been erected at Okahu Bay and adjacent beaches along the eastern bays.

Levels recorded at Okahu Bay on Saturday and Sunday did not exceed the Health Ministry's warning level of 280 enterococci/100ml. Kohimarama beach, on the other hand, did exceed this on the Sunday reading.

The warning signs will remain up at Okahu Bay, Mission Bay, Kohimarama Beach and St Heliers until test results give the all clear.

Auckland City will continue to monitor the water quality on a weekly basis as part of the Safeswim programme, with results available from the Friday of each week. The information can be accessed anytime by calling 0800 SAFESWIM (0800 72 33 79), or by the Auckland City Safeswim website (www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/safeswim).

As a general rule, people should NOT swim for 48 hours after heavy rainfall because stormwater and wet weather sewerage overflows are the two main sources of beach water pollution at urban beaches. Local streams may also not be safe after heavy rain.

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