18 Mar 2016

Maraetotara lagoon infested by E.coli

11:53 am on 18 March 2016

People are being warned not to swim in a contaminated lagoon and stream in Hawke's Bay.

A spokesperson for the region's District Health Board said Maraetotara Lagoon at Te Awanga and Waipuka Stream at Ocean Beach are considered a health risk.

Water samples taken by the council yesterday had levels of E.coli at both sites, exceeding the maximum recommended in the Recreational Water Guidelines.

Medical officer of health Nicholas Jones said the levels indicated there were excessive amounts of faecal matter, either animal or human, in the water.

Dr Jones said signs were being put in place to warn people.