Untreated, unscreened wastewater has been discharged into Tarakena Bay. Check LAWA.org.nz before visiting beaches.
Untreated, unscreened wastewater has been discharged into Tarakena Bay. Check LAWA.org.nz before visiting beaches.

Between approximately 9 am on 26 June and 7 am on 26 June, the short outfall pipe discharged untreated wastewater into Tarakena Bay.

Signs are in place along the coastline to alert water users of areas which may be impacted by this event. Water quality samples will be collected from coastal locations once improved weather conditions allow. 

Check LAWA.org.nz before visiting beaches along the south coast. 

Public health information can be found on Health NZ's website

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About Us / News And Media / News And Media / Precautionary Investigations Following Water Quality Monitoring Detection At Tory St Culvert

Published 27/02/2020

Precautionary investigations following water quality monitoring detection at Tory St culvert

Regular water quality monitoring at the Tory St culvert has shown an increase in faecal coliforms (which can indicate the presence of wastewater) to levels that have triggered investigations by Wellington Water crews to determine the source of contamination.

The area is not a recreational swimming site, however signage will be placed as a precaution until testing indicates water quality has returned to safe levels. Sampling will also be undertaken at Oriental Bay and the Whairepo Lagoon as a precaution, however it is not expected that these areas will be impacted due to dilution.

Wellington Water's water quality monitoring programme enables rapid detection and response to contamination events. Response thresholds are deliberately set at precautionary levels in order to minimise public risk.

Updates on the situation will be provided on Wellington Water's website and social media.

Media Enquiries

Email address:  Media@wellingtonwater.co.nz

Phone number: 021 302 259