Health warning lifted at Akaroa Main Beach and Glen Bay

February 16, 2011

It is now safe to swim and carry out recreational activities at Akaroa Main Beach and Glen Bay.

The Community and Public Health division of Canterbury District Health Board has lifted its health warning at the popular holiday spot after issuing one last Friday (11/02/11).

Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Alistair Humphrey says Environment Canterbury’s latest water testing results show faecal bacteria levels in the Akaroa Main Beach and Glen Bay are now below guideline.

“This is great news for swimmers and other recreational water users in Akaroa who would have been avoiding the beach following the high levels of contamination,” Dr Humphrey says. “They can now get back in the water without the risk of illness.”
When a health warning is in place, 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, he says.
Water contaminated by human or animal faecal bacteria 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.

More information about Akaroa Main Beach and Glen Beach visit the Environment Canterbury website:http://ecan.govt.nz/services/online-services/monitoring/swimming-water-quality/Pages/Default.aspx

ENDS

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