Monday 6 January 2025Media release2 minutes to read
Health Warning – Unsafe Recreational Water Quality at Kahutara River upstream of SH1
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora has issued a health warning after high levels of faecal bacteria were found in samples taken from Kahutara River upstream of SH1.
Dr Claire Salter, Public Health Medicine Specialist for the National Public Health Service, says “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 North 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.”
Eating shellfish from these sites should be avoided. If fish are eaten, remove the gut and liver and wash in clean water before cooking. For further information on gathering Mahinga Kai refer to information below.
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,” Dr Salter says.
The sites where water quality is affected are listed on Environment Canterbury’s website, she says.
For further details visit: https://www.lawa.org.nz/explore-data/canterbury-region/
Or contact Te Mana Ora | Community and Public Health on (03) 364 1777:
https://www.cph.co.nz/your-health/recreational-water/
For more information about Mahinga Kai:
https://www.cph.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/saf0112.pdf
ENDS
For further information, contact:
Karen Berry
Public Health Communications Lead, Te Waipounamu
National Public Health Service
Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora
021 139 7442
Page last updated: 6 January 2025
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