9 January 2018
Caution required using recreational water after heavy rain
Now that we are all drying out after the heavy rain last week
and at the weekend, a cooling dip might seem attractive.
However, caution is required as there are potential health risks
associated with contaminated recreational water.
"If you swim in or drink contaminated water, you risk getting
sick," says Dr Phil Shoemack, Medical Officer of Health. Illnesses
you can catch include a tummy bug, a sore throat or skin
infection. After heavy rain water is likely to be
contaminated with animal faeces from rural and urban run-off.
As a precaution people should avoid swimming in rivers, streams and
harbour areas for 48 hours after heavy rainfall events.
What action to take:
- Avoid swimming for at least 48 hours (two days) after heavy or
prolonged rain.
- At any time if you notice the water in your local lake, river,
harbour, estuary or beach is murky or has a musty smell, go
somewhere else.
Our regional and district/city councils keep a close eye on the
quality of our bathing spots. They test the water
regularly. If a recreational water site is found to be
significantly contaminated, with risk to public health, Toi Te Ora
Public Health informs the public by issuing a health warning and
the local council erects warning signs.
Up-to-date information on health warnings for the Bay of Plenty
and Lakes districts is available through these channels:
For more information or comment, please
contact:
Debbie Phillips
Public Health Communications Advisor
Toi Te Ora Public Health
Phone: 07 577 3793 (DDI: 6533) | Mob: 021 791 814
Last updated:
January 9, 2018
