A health warning has been issued for the Selwyn River/Waikirikiri in Canterbury after high levels of faecal bacteria was found consecutive samples.
In a statement, Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora said high levels of faecal bacteria were found in consecutive samples taken from Selwyn River/Waikirikiri at Glentunnel and at Whitecliffs.
It’s the latest river in Canterbury to record high faecel bacteria levels, after a warning was issued last month for the Waimakariri River.
National Public Health Service specialist Claire Salter said rainfall in the area in the last few days has most likely caused the high levels of faecal bacteria.
“A number of other popular swimming sites in Canterbury may also have high levels of contamination after recent rainfall. People should avoid all rivers and beaches for at least two days after heavy rain.
“Water quality at affected sites is not considered suitable for recreational uses including swimming because of the risk to health from the bacteria and other pathogens,” she said.
Eating shellfish from these sites should be avoided, as water contaminated by human or animal faecal matter 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 or Salmonella infection,” Salter said.
The sites where water quality was affected could be found on Environment Canterbury’s website.
People warned not to swim at popular Otago spots
The Otago Regional Council had also warned people today not to swim at two popular holiday spots due to bacteria levels.
The Council said recent test results showed high levels of bacteria near the Lake Hāwea Holiday Park and at Otokia Creek at Brighton Beach.
Warning signs were in place.
— additional reporting by RNZ