Health warnings follow sewage spill

Heavy rain on Friday 22 July caused an overflow of sewage from the Hatea pumping station and the city’s main wastewater treatment plant went into bypass mode, releasing partially treated wastewater.

The Northland Medical Officer of Health has advised that swimmers should stay out of the water in the upper harbour upstream of Onerahi for five days following the spill or until water tests show that it is safe to swim.

People involved in activities that are likely to involve head immersion such as kayaking and dingy sailing should follow the same advice as for swimmers.

Shellfish should not be collected from the upper harbour for 28 days. It is best not to eat fish caught in the upper harbour for five days after the spill.

People who have contact with sewage-contaminated water should thoroughly wash and dry the affected areas of their bodies with soap and water afterwards. Open cuts or sores should be kept clean and covered with waterproof sticking plasters.