17 January 2007
Lake Tutira Swimming Warning Lifted

Hawke’s Bay District Health Board’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr Lester Calder today lifted a warning made on 10 January 2007 advising members of the public not to swim in Lake Tutira. This followed very high levels of contamination found in samples taken on 8 January 2007.

Dr Calder says re-sampling by the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council has shown much lower levels of bacteria. “The levels are now well within the levels recommended in the Ministries of Health and Environments Recreational Water Guidelines”.

The Hawke’s Bay Regional Council is undertaking ongoing weekly monitoring of this waterway.

The Hasting District Council has done a survey of Lake Tutira and identified that the high level of contamination from last week may be due to waterfowl or agricultural sources near the Lake.

The Public Health Unit would like to remind people that all recreational waterways such as lagoons, streams and rivers should be avoided for up to three days following periods of heavy rainfall.

The most usual problems occur after heavy rainfall, with pollutants being washed through rivers and streams. With natural waterways, such as rivers and estuaries it is best to stay out of the water:
• If the waterway is in an urban area or surrounded by farms with dairy cows, cattle or sheep.
• If there are any livestock or large numbers of birds in or near the water.
• If you can’t see your feet clearly when knee deep in the water.

The Public Health Unit operates a “Safe Swimming Line” the number is (06) 878-1368. This line is updated regularly with information on sites that may be contaminated.

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