Wairoa District Council is continuing to align its treated wastewater releases with its consent conditions and the condition of the Wairoa River and restricted river mouth.

Wairoa District Council has not breached any of its discharge conditions and is working in partnership with the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council compliance team.

Voluntary water testing carried out by the Wairoa District Council has shown elevated e-coli from samples taken at various river sites, prompting the advice that people should not swim in the river or collect mahinga kai in the lower river area.

In line with its consent, the Council discharged treated waste on Saturday night, taking advantage of the fact that the bar was restricted, with water still flowing, and not closed, and to provide more capacity if the river mouth fully closes.

As of Monday morning, the bar remained restricted but open, with advice indicating it may close, and the Council is managing its operations in line with this advice.

Wairoa District Council Chief Executive Kitea Tipuna said the Council is doing everything it can to manage treated wastewater discharge within its consent conditions and the limitations of a restricted river mouth. “Ecoli from various sources is usually present in rivers and will grow in hot conditions and when there is limited water flow. Testing and monitoring of the situation will continue, and the Council is working with tangata whenua and the Public Health Unit.

“We understand people may be concerned with the process the Council needs to go through. However, we want to reassure the community this is a temporary measure while the river mouth remains restricted or closed, and we are following the appropriate protocols. Our focus is on protecting public health while minimising any disruption to the community.

Wastewater pond levels are being monitored and we are asking our community to please reduce any water going down the drain.”

2 December 2024

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