Swimmers and surfers should avoid the waters around Lawyers
Head until further notice, the Dunedin City Council says.
Water and Waste Services Manager Dr Laura McElhone said the
council and Public Health South would like to remind the
public about signs currently in the Lawyers Head area which
advise against swimming, collecting shellfish, or contact
with sea water due to the results of recent water quality
testing.
Dr McElhone says none of the other city beaches are affected.
It was unclear why the higher Enterococci readings have
occurred, but it was probably due to natural environmental
conditions, such as hot weather and a high number of sea
birds in the area, she said.
Public Health South Medical Officer of Health Dr Marion Poore
said people need to be aware that if they are in contact with
the water, they could get gastroenteritis.
Dr McElhone said the UV disinfection plant at the Tahuna
Wastewater Treatment Plant was working and there was nothing
to indicate the higher readings were linked to the plant.
There will be daily testing at Lawyers Head until the
readings have dropped to acceptable levels.
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