Shellfish/swimming ban at Whatuwhiwhi

People are advised not to swim or gather shellfish from the Whatuwhiwhi end of Tokerau Beach following a weekend sewage incident.

Signs have been erected at commonly used beach and boat ramp access points alerting people to the Northland District Health Board advice, which is effective until Labour weekend.

Far North District Council contractors responded promptly when advised of the sewage overflow on Monday. However, it is thought the leak from a broken pipe had continued for several days before the advice was received.

It is possible that up to 150 cubic metres of untreated sewage was discharged to the sea before the repairs were effected.