Warning of E coli spike
Testing has found E coli bacteria in Wellington Harbour, right next to the diving platform.
Signs and caution tape warn the public not to swim after testing found ‘‘dangerous levels’’ of the bacteria in the water, according to Wellington City Council’s weekly test.
The results came back last week as ‘‘very high’’, Greater Wellington Regional Council spokesman Stephen Heath said.
The diving platform is near a significant stormwater pipe that drains part of the city which meant the area was always on watch, Heath said. ‘‘We can never absolutely guarantee the site is OK – so we constantly warn people to be careful.’’
The regional council’s water test result for the lagoon would be
out tomorrow, he said.
E coli comes from the intestines of humans and animals, and often gets into water from leaking sewage pipes.
Despite the signs, Greater Wellington Regional Council’s interactive water quality tool, which is said to be updated daily, showed green check marks along Wellington Harbour, indicating the water was ‘‘suitable for swimming’’.
Regional Public Health medical officer Dr Jill McKenzie said the warning meant the level of bacteria presented a risk of greater than 10 per cent for stomach bugs, and greater than 4 per cent for infection (ear, nose or throat), to those who breathed in contaminated water.