People must avoid beaches, rivers and other waterways

People need to avoid Christchurch beaches because they are currently contaminated with untreated sewage, says Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB).

"Testing has confirmed that water at some Christchurch beaches is contaminated at levels that could make people very ill from contact," says Medical Officer of Health for Canterbury, Dr. Ramon Pink.

The water at all beaches between the Waimakariri River and Lyttelton Harbour should be avoided. The affected beaches include:

* Spencer Beach

* Waimairi Beach

* North Beach

* New Brighton Beach

* South Brighton Beach

* Christchurch Estuary

* The beaches at Sumner and Scarborough

* Taylor's Mistake Beach

* All beaches in Lyttelton Harbour.

"It is extremely important that people adhere to this warning as the current emergency situation means there is a significant risk of outbreaks of gastroenteritis," says Dr. Pink.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand volunteers are present on Christchurch beaches telling people not to swim.

A number of other waterways are suspected to be contaminated and should also be avoided.

"Put simply, we want everyone to stay away from all rivers, sea water, ponds, puddles or other surface water," says Dr. Pink. "People should not fish or gather shellfish from Christchurch waterways."

"We are concerned about personal well-being, but even more so about the risk of a significant outbreak of illness in our damaged city."

The Christchurch City Council and CDHB will advise people when it is safe to resume swimming in Christchurch waterways.

-Ends-

© Scoop Media