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Public health advice for Wellington’s south coast beaches has been updated, allowing people to return to the shoreline and swim at most beaches between Ōwhiro Bay and Breaker Bay.
Tarakena Bay remains closed due to its proximity to the short outfall pipe at the Moa Point Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The updated advice follows daily water sampling at 23 sites along the south coast after the discharge of untreated water from the Moa Point Wastewater Treatment Plant began on Tuesday, February 4.
Wellington Water chief operating officer Charles Barker says the decision reflects improving water quality results.
“This is a significant step in the right direction in our response to the ongoing discharge of untreated water from the Moa Point Wastewater Treatment Plant,” says Charles.
“Sampling has been carried out in a variety of weather conditions, and during times that both the long and short outfall have been used.
“Unsurprisingly, we saw a spike during the period around heavy rainfall and during the discharge of untreated wastewater from the short outfall, but overall, these results have been within the acceptable bacterial levels for safe swimming near the shore.”
An interagency group including National Public Health, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Wellington City Council and Wellington Water has been monitoring daily water quality sample results since the discharge began.
Charles says caution is still advised for activities further from shore.
“The sample sites we have been testing have not included areas out in the Cook Strait near the long outfall pipe, so activities further from the shore such as surfing and diving should be conducted at people’s own risk.”
The Ministry for Primary Industries advises people not to gather shellfish from densely populated urban areas, areas near pipes or culverts, or areas close to wastewater or stormwater discharge. It also recommends waiting several days after heavy rainfall before gathering shellfish.
Wellington Water says while work has been completed to improve flow to the long outfall pipe, there remains a risk the short outfall pipe may be required again during heavy rainfall, which would result in untreated and unscreened wastewater being discharged into Tarakena Bay.
If the short outfall is used, Land, Air, Water Aotearoa will update public advice on beach safety. LAWA continues to advise people not to enter the water during rainfall or for 48 hours afterwards.
Wellington Water says it understands the frustration caused by the discharge and thanked the community for its patience.
