Health Warnings issued for Lake Opunake, Lower Waiwhakaiho and Te Henui Stream

8 February 2010

The Medical Officer of Health, Dr Patrick O’Connor, has today issued a health warning for Lake Opunake, the Lower Waiwhakaiho River and Te Henui Stream.

Routine sampling by the Taranaki Regional Council has found high levels of Escherichia coli (E.coli) in the waters of Lake Opunake, the Lower Waiwhakaiho River and Te Henui Stream.

The cause of the Lake Opunake result is likely to be ducks and warm overcast conditions.

“The report we have received is that this is the highest count recorded for the site, and is the first occasion that the guideline value of 550 cfu/100ml has been exceeded since 2009 (under similar conditions),” said Dr O’Connor

The report also indicated the lower Waiwhakaiho River including the tidal pool below the rapid that is a popular bathing area has exceeded the guideline value. The cause of this result is probably rainfall and flocks of seagulls upstream of the site.

The Te Henui Stream, at the walkway bridge is not a recognised bathing area, but this is site has regularly exceeded the guideline value this summer. The lower tidal area near the sea is often used by young children for paddling and can be easily accessed. Duck populations upstream are the likely source of contamination.

The result for the Waimoku Stream at Oakura, that has permanent signage, is still exceeding the safe bathing guidelines.

“Contact with the water in the rivers should be limited and not used for swimming or sourcing for consumption,” said Dr O’Connor.

New Plymouth and South Taranaki District Councils will be erecting warning notices near these areas.

The water samples are undergoing further analysis, and the warning signs will be removed when the levels are considered safe.

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For more information please call

Sue Carrington
Media Adviser
Ph 021 367 789

Last updated: Monday, August 13, 2012