Unsafe Recreational Water Quality at Waimakariri River

February, 10, 2011

The Community and Public Health division of Canterbury District Health Board has issued a health warning after high levels of faecal bacteria were found in consecutive samples taken from the Waimakariri River at the boat ramp.

Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Dr Alistair Humphrey says rainfall and run-off in the local area and in the mountains has significantly increased the water flow in the last few days resulting in poor water quality, as well as physical safety issues with accessing this river.
A number of other popular swimming sites in Canterbury may also have high levels of contamination after recent rainfall, Dr Humphrey says.

“In addition there remains a significant risk of rivers and estuaries around Christchurch being contaminated for up to 48-hours after any rainfall because of infrastructure damage from the September 4, 2010 earthquake and subsequent aftershocks,” he says.

“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 fish or shellfish from these sites should also be avoided.”

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, giardia, cryptosporosis, campylobacter and salmonella,” Dr Humphrey says.

The sites where water quality is affected are listed on Environment Canterbury’s website, he says.

ENDS

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