Sewerage Overflow - Napier Inner Harbour

MEDIA RELEASE
26 January 2004

Sewerage Overflow - Napier Inner Harbour: Swimming Is Now Safe But The Public Is Warned Against Collection Of Shellfish

The Public Health Unit of the Hawke's Bay District Health Board advises that it is now considered safe for the public to swim, and undertake other water contact recreational activities, in the area of the Napier Inner Harbour, Pandora Pond, Hardinge Road area (between Perfume Point and the Port of Napier), or Westshore Beach. This is the area which was warned against on Friday due to an overflow of sewerage that occurred in the Inner Harbour.

However the Public Health Unit strongly advises people not to collect shellfish for consumption from this area, until further notice.

The decision to clear this area for swimming was based on extensive water sampling undertaken by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council.

Medical Officer of Health , Dr. Lester Calder, advises that until sampling shows that levels of contamination of the shellfish comply with the acceptable limits, people should avoid consuming any shellfish from these areas.

“Shellfish filter contaminants from the water they are growing in and hold that contamination for an extended period of time. Consumption of contaminated shellfish can lead to serious infections,” he said.

Warning signs have been erected by the Public Health Unit, in areas where shellfish are likely to be collected.

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