Health Warning: Recreational Water - Pongakawa River - SH2, Pukehina

A health warning has been issued for Pongakawa River SH2 in Pukehina, as routine water sampling by Bay of Plenty Regional Council has returned laboratory results showing high concentrations of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria (Sample date: 16/12/2024).

It is recommended that the public avoid any recreational activity, such as swimming or other recreational contact.

Why can water cause illness?

When contaminated by human or animal faeces (‘poo’), water can contain disease-causing bacteria, viruses and protozoa (such as salmonella, campylobacter or giardia). These organisms can present a health risk in water that is used for recreational activities, such as swimming. The most common illness is gastroenteritis but respiratory illness and ear and skin infections may also occur. See this factsheet on the LAWA website to find out more.

Before heading to rivers and recreational water sites, people are encouraged to look out for health warnings from www.lawa.org.nz, and to keep an eye out for signage at recreational water locations.

Up-to-date information on health warnings and Coastal and freshwater recreation monitoring for the Western Bay of Plenty District is available through these channels:

• Health Warnings: https://toiteora.govt.nz/public/health-warnings.
• More information: https://toiteora.govt.nz/public/health-topics/recreational-water
• LAWA - Can I Swim Here: https://www.lawa.org.nz/explore-data/swimming
• Bay of Plenty Regional Council - Safe swimming areas: https://www.boprc.govt.nz/living-in-the-bay/safe-swimming-areas/