Sewage Spill Contamination Confirmed

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council has confirmed that there is significant contamination of the Karamu and Clive Rivers from the sewage spill on Thursday morning.

The public are advised not to swim, gather any food or have any contact recreation activities (such as rowing or jet skiing) in the river or stream until further notice.

River water samples have indicated a significant level of faecal contamination in the waterway, and monitoring will continue.  The warning status placed on the waterway yesterday will not be lifted until the stream water is clear of contamination.  

All irrigators who take water downstream for crops have been contacted and notified of the contamination to ensure that the public health risk is managed.  Irrigators contacted were able to confirm that they had not needed to use water from the stream for irrigation because of recent rainfall.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council is working with the Hawke’s Bay District Health Board to monitor the contamination and manage the risk. 

Public are also advised not to allow dogs, horses or other pets to drink from or swim in the stream. 

The Regional Council has notified the rowing club, waka ama, water ski group and marae along the waterway.  Signage has been placed at key locations to warn the public of the contamination of the waterway.

The Medical Officer of Health Dr Nick Jones has advised that until sampling shows that levels of contamination have dropped to a safe recreational swimming limit, people should avoid any activity in the water.

“Sewage in water increases the risks of infections of the stomach, skin, eyes and ears,” he said.

Anyone who has been in contact with the water in the last twelve hours and is feeling unwell, has a skin rash or any other symptom is advised to see their doctor.