Moa Point wastewater - Wellington

You should follow LAWA’s advice on whether beaches are suitable for swimming. It is also important to follow the standard recommendation not to swim for 48 hours after rainfall.  

Water sampling at 23 sites along the coast has shown that during dry weather water quality results have been within acceptable bacterial levels for safe swimming near the shoreline. See the recommendation above about swimming after rainfall.  

However, some caution is still advised. The sample sites have not included areas out in the Cook Strait near the long outfall pipe. Activities further offshore, such as surfing, diving or fishing closer to the outfall, may carry a higher exposure risk and are not recommended at this time.

Environmental conditions can also affect risk. Strong southerly winds may push contamination towards bays and closer to shore. 

Agencies are monitoring conditions closely and will communicate when conditions make recreational water use unsafe.  

People should not collect or eat kaimoana from the affected areas (Ōwhiro Bay to Breaker Bay) at this time. 

Kaimoana can become contaminated by sewage. Shellfish such as mussels and pipi carry the highest risk because they filter large amounts of water and can concentrate harmful bugs, which may remain in their tissues for several weeks. Other species such as pāua, kina, crayfish, and fish are generally lower risk but can still be contaminated while sewage discharge is ongoing. 

Because sewage discharge is continuing and conditions can change, the safest approach is to avoid collecting or eating any kaimoana from affected areas as a precaution to protect health. 

Contact with water contaminated by sewage can expose people to bugs (such as viruses, bacteria and parasites) that can cause illness. These bugs can enter the human body through: 

• swallowing contaminated sea water or eating fish, shellfis from the contaminated area 
• direct contact with contaminated water and the skin, eyes, ears, and open wounds. 
• occasionally breathing in droplets of contaminated water. 

The most common health effects include: 

• gastro or tummy upsets with runny poos (diarrhoea) or throwing up (vomiting) 
• cold or flu-like symptoms with fever, cough, runny nose, chest infection 
• ear, eye and skin infections such as infected sores or red irritated eyes. 

Some people may be more likely to get sick from contact with sewage and contaminated water. These include: 

• young children 

• older adults 

• people with low immunity 

• people with open cuts or wounds.

We recommend people in these groups carefully follow the current public health advice.  

If you come into contact with contaminated water:

• wash hands thoroughly with soap and water
• shower

Avoid touching your face or eating until you have cleaned your hands.

If you develop symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, cough, or skin or eye infections after contact with coastal water, seek medical advice. 

You can contact your healthcare provider or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free advice. 

The risk of illness from inhaling contaminated sea spray is highest very close to where sewage is discharging, particularly when the short outfall is in use. The risk is considered very low elsewhere along the coast or further inland from the coast. 

The biggest risk to health remains direct contact with contaminated water, such as swimming. 

As a precaution during periods of high sea spray, people should limit the time they are exposed to sea spray close to where sewage is discharging when the short outfall is in use, keep windows closed, and wash and dry their hands after being outside. 

Sea spray settling on property, gardens or cars is not expected to be a significant health risk. Bugs that cause illness to humans do not survive for long periods in the environment and quickly die off.  

The best protection is to wash and dry hands regularly, especially before preparing or eating food, and after outdoor activities. 

Homegrown fruit and vegetables should always be washed before eating to remove any soil or potential contamination.  

Although sand can contain bugs (viruses and bacteria), the risk of becoming sick from contact with sand alone is considered very low. Most illnesses associated with beaches occur when people also have contact with contaminated water.  

The risk may be higher very close to wastewater discharge points, particularly around Tarakena Bay when untreated sewage has been released close to shore. This area should be avoided. 

You can further reduce your risk by supervising young children so they do not put sand in their mouths, avoiding playing or digging in sand close to wastewater outfalls or pipes, washing or sanitising hands before eating and after handling sand, and avoiding placing food directly on the sand.  

It is also recommended to cover any cuts or wounds with waterproof dressings before going on the beach and remove sand from shoes, clothing, and pets after visiting the beach. 

If you develop symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, cough, rash, irritation of the ear, nose or throat, seek medical attention and inform the healthcare provider of your possible contact with sewage. Healthline is a free over-the phone health service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 0800 611 116