Red level alert for Dunedin beaches: Westwood and Beachlands

Red level alert for Dunedin beaches: Westwood and Beachlands

A “red level” alert has been issued by the Dunedin City Council after recent water quality monitoring identified enterococci results above recreational guidelines. The current beaches under advisory include:

• Westwood
• Beachlands

These two beaches are located along the stretch of coast either side of the Kaikorai Estuary outlet.

Signage has been placed at the affected beaches, advising the public not to swim, collect shellfish or have contact with sea water.

Recent water quality testing at city beaches has   indicated elevated levels of faecal coliforms and enterococci. Enterococci are bacteria found in the gut of humans, birds and other warm-blooded animals. They indicate the presence of faecal material in seawater.

The results confirm elevated enterococci levels, but do not identify a specific contamination source. Elevated levels can occur following rainfall when contaminants are washed into waterways and coastal areas, including by surface runoff. As a general precaution, people are advised to avoid contact recreation in waterways and coastal waters for 2–3 days following heavy rain.

When daily testing shows that results have dropped below guideline levels   (<280 enterococci/100ml), the red level alert for Westwood and Beachlands beaches will be lifted.

Still didn't find what you were looking for?