Bacteria warning at western Petone Beach

Hutt City residents are advised to stay clear of the water in the Petone Beach Ski Club area until further notice, due to water quality issues.

Recent water quality sampling in this area has revealed high levels of Enterococci, which makes it a Red Action Zone, and unsafe for swimming and other activities involving contact with the water.

Health warning signs have been placed at all entrances to the area. Contact with this water could result in tummy upsets (diarrhoea and vomiting), and infections of skin, eyes, ear, nose or throat.

Hutt City Council’s Manager for Environmental Inspections, Raaj Govinda says, “We are working with Wellington Water and Greater Wellington Regional Council to investigate the source of the contamination.”

“Members of the nearby water ski and rowing club, have been informed of the warning, and have been advised to stay out of the water until further notice.”

Warning signs will remain in place until daily sampling shows that bacteria counts have returned to safe levels.

Up to date information on the water quality at this site, as well as at other popular swimming spots in the region, is available at Greater Wellington Regional Council’s Summer Check Website at www.gw.govt.nz/summer-check.

ENDS

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