31 Jan 2020 - Public Health Warning – Two publicly accessible swimming sites not suitable for swimming
Sampling undertaken by the Northland Regional Council has found two publicly accessible swimming sites in Northland that are not suitable for swimming purposes. The two sites are;
- Waitangi River at Wakelins due to a cyanobacteria warning and,
- Ahuroa River a Piroa Falls due to bacterial contamination.
Exposure to cyanobacteria may cause symptoms such as skin rashes, nausea, tummy upset and tingling and numbness around the mouth or tips of fingers.
If you experience health symptoms after contact with contaminated water, call Healthline on 0800 611 116, or visit a doctor immediately.
Please note: Boiling water does not remove toxins and drinking of the water should be avoided at all times.
Humans and animals (in particular dogs) should avoid contact with Mangamutu stream (aka Waitangi River at Wakelins) until health warnings are removed.
Any updates including advising when these sites are safe for swimming again will be published via this link on the LAWA website(external link).
Should you become ill with symptoms of gastroenteritis after swimming in Northland, it is recommended that you see a doctor if the symptoms are severe or if you are worried.
If you think that your illness was caused by swimming, you should contact the on-call Health Protection Officer on 09 430 4100.
The Recreational Swimming Water Quality Programme is a joint project managed by the Northland Regional Council in partnership with the Northland District Health Board, Far North District Council, Whangarei District Council and Kaipara District Council.
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