Swimmers and surfers in Dunedin are being warned to avoid a section of coast due to water contamination.
The Dunedin City Council says samples taken from the sea around Lawyers Head at Tahuna showed levels of the enterococci bacteria are breaching safety limits.
Signs are in place warning against swimming, collecting shellfish or contact with the sea water.
Medical officer of health Marion Poore says the contaminated water could cause gastroenteritis.
The bacteria are found in sewage. But the council said there is nothing to indicate the higher readings are linked to the Tahuna wastewater treatment plant nearby.
