Contamination of Tukituki River and Maraetotara Lagoon prompts warnings from Hawke's Bay District Health Board

Cyanobacteria mats have been exposed in parts of the Tukituki River prompting a warning from Hawke's Bay District Health Board. Photo/File

Contamination of two Hawke's Bay water spots has prompted warnings from Hawke's Bay District Health Board.

Hawke's Bay District Health Board (HBDHB) released two warnings yesterday after Cyanobacteria was found in parts of the Tukituki River and high E.coli levels were recorded in Maraetotara Lagoon, Te Awanga.

A swim warning was put in place at the lagoon yesterday following that morning's water sample results confirming E.coli levels were more than four times above safe swimming guidelines.

HBDHB Medical Officer of Health, Dr Nicholas Jones, said the DHB was working with Hawke's Bay Region Council and Hastings District Council (HDC) to determine the cause of the contamination.

"This is an indication that there's been some faecal matter...we're trying to figure out if it washed in from heavy rain."

However, because it hadn't quickly dissipated there might have been another cause for the high levels such as a nearby septic tank, he said.

Signage had been put up by HDC and HBDHB would be testing again on Monday.

"Regular water sampling and monitoring will continue and Hawke's Bay Regional Council will also investigate the source of the contamination."

People should to take notice of the warnings and avoid swimming in the lagoon until further notice, Dr Jones said.

In parts of the Tukituki River Cyanobacteria mats had been exposed due to a drop in the river levels and warning signs were put in place.

"People are urged to keep dogs and children away."

The bloom was likely to be toxic to people and animals, he said.

Cyanobacteria blooms were more common in warm weather and during low flows and it tended to be worse in summer, Dr Jones said.

"The Tukituki River has had this bacteria in it before.

"A couple of spots have been identified where the levels are dropping and the Cyanobacteria mats have been exposed, such as Black Bridge, Red Bridge and Horseshoe Bend.

"The rest of the river levels of Cyanobacteria are fine."

The bacteria would most likely wash away after a heavy rainfall but if anyone saw it in the river they were advised to keep away from that area.

"The issue is that it can produce toxins."

These can kill dogs and make people feel sick with flu-like symptoms.

It can also produce an odour which attracts dogs.

The areas where it had been exposed were more risky than if it was under the surface of the water because it was less likely to come in contact with people or dogs, Dr Jones said.

Warning signs had been put up at affected areas.

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