Sewage spill into Lake Wakatipu

A failure during upgrade work to a sewerage main at Park Street, Queenstown resulted in a pollution spill into Lake Wakatipu today.

“One of the fittings failed, which allowed approximately 1000 litres of sewage to enter the lake,” Queenstown Lakes District Council water services manager Garry McGraw said.

A pollution response swung into immediate action and the area was closed off and disinfected.

“We had it pretty much all cleaned up within a few hours,” Mr McGraw said.

The spill had dispersed quickly into the lake.

“Obviously it is not desirable but with that relatively small amount we don’t expect to have any further issues,” Mr McGraw said.

The harbourmaster, Otago Regional Council and Public Health South had been informed of the incident.