18 November 2004

Lake Tutira in ‘red mode’ - swimming off limits

Hawke’s Bay’s District Health Board Medical Officer of Health, Dr Caroline McElnay, today issued a warning, advising members of the public not to swim in Lake Tutira, due to contamination.

Dr McElnay says monitoring by the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council has again identified high levels of E.coli in water samples taken on the 16th November. “The levels significantly exceeded the maximum levels recommended in the Ministries of Health and Environments Recreational Water Guidelines”. The level of these bacteria indicates excessive amounts of faecal matter, either animal or human was in the water. This site is in the "Red Mode" indicating that any contact with the water could present a significant risk"

Further sampling will be undertaken by the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council.

A "traffic light" system is being used to inform the public whether the water quality of a site is suitable for swimming and other water-based recreational activities.

"Green Mode" indicates there is minimal health risk for recreational activities involving contact with water.

"Amber Mode" indicates the health risk for recreational activities involving contact with the water may have increased. This acts as a trigger and councils collect more frequent samples.

"Red Mode" any contact with the water could present a significant risk.

Further information on the water quality of recreational waterways in Hawke's Bay can be found on:

ENDS

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