Urenui water warning

People are being warned against taking shellfish from the Urenui river mouth and to avoid the area’s mudflats after high levels of bacteria were discovered.

Privately owned septic tanks are believed to be behind elevated levels of Escherichia coli, or E coli, New Plymouth District Council advised yesterday.

Signs have been put up to warn people against taking shellfish from the area, David Langford, of NPDC, said in an emailed health warning.

People should also avoid going near pipes in the area and wash their hands if they have been near the mudflats.

Swimming in the river and sea, where the bacteria is diluted, is considered safe unless there had been heavy rain in the previous three days.

‘‘Early indications show that privately owned septic tanks are the most likely cause of the issue,’’ Langford said.

‘‘We’ll be working with the public to get it sorted as a priority. Our team will inspect all septic tanks in the area and work with property owners to ensure compliance.’’

NPDC will work with Taranaki Regional Council and the Taranaki District Health Board to monitor the situation, including further testing to confirm the source of the bacteria.

Meanwhile, the Urenui walking bridge between the village and the beach is closed.

It’s thought a large log was pushed around by the tide during stormy weather last week, resulting in the bridge being lifted off its foundations at the western end and moving it about a metre, Langford said.

The swing bridge has long been a popular summertime attraction for bridge jumping swimmers. Langford said NPDC had been in touch with Urenui residents to explain the situation.