Hāwea swimming ban after unidentified pollution source

People are being warned not to swim in the Lake Hāwea area due to high bacteria levels.

Otago Regional Council said recent test results showed high levels of bacteria near the Lake Hāwea Holiday Park - the test site is the only monitoring point in the area.

People shouldn't swim or use the water for other recreation until further notice, the council said.

Land Air Water Aotearoa said Lake Hāwea typically had excellent water quality but bacterial contamination could occur, often after strong winds or heavy rain.

The most common illness associated with faecal contamination of waterways is gastroenteritis, but respiratory illnesses, ear infections and skin infections may also occur.

People are advised to speak to their GP if they have any concerns.

The site has an ‘excellent’ long-term grade on LAWA.

The specific source is unknown; however, generally, faecal indicator bacteria are introduced to the environment through animal and bird droppings, effluent and wastewater discharges, and stormwater runoff.

The next routine sample will be collected on Monday and results will be on LAWA asap.

For more information about recreational water quality monitoring, see LAWA https://www.lawa.org.nz/.../coastal-and-freshwater...

 

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