September 09, 2010 – WAIMAKARIRI RIVER CONTAMINATED

The current emergency situation has led to the Waimakariri River becoming contaminated in its lower reaches, downstream of McLeans Island.

The public are advised:

• Do not collect or drink the water from the river.
• Do not collect fish or shellfish from the river or river mouth, including whitebait.
• Do not use the river for recreational use, including swimming or boating.
• Stay away from and avoid physical contact with water in the lower reaches of the river.

In general, the public are advised to avoid contact with any river water and sea water at this time, owing to possible contamination arising after Saturday’s earthquake and subsequent aftershocks.