What’s the issue?
• Sewage is contaminating the streams flowing into Hobson Bay and Ōrākei Basin in all weather.
What are Auckland Council and Watercare doing about this?
• Auckland Council and Watercare are working to identify and fix the most urgent problems. Water quality is being regularly monitored however the problems will take some time to fix. Until this happens, please take extra precautions around the streams and Waitaramoa/ Hobson Bay
• Public Health Warning signs have been placed at key locations advising the area is not safe for swimming, other water activities or collection of and eating of kaimoana.
• Significant investment by Auckland Council and Watercare is currently being proposed to address the long-term problems but it will take over a decade to make the major improvements needed.
What you need to know to keep safe?
• We recommend only swimming at Safeswim sites when it is safe to do so (safeswim.org.nz). The nearest safeswim sites are at Okahu Bay and at Taurarua/Judges Bay
• Treat the streams flowing into Waitaramoa/Hobson Bay and Ōrākei Basin as potentially contaminated by wastewater at all times. This includes Newmarket Stream, Hapua Stream, Portland Road Stream, Waiata Stream and Ōrākei Creek. The water quality in Pourewa Creek is good in dry weather but potentially poor within 48 hours of any rain.
• Do not play in or around the affected streams. It is recommended you never swim in any urban stream. If you touch the water in the affected streams it is strongly recommended that you wash or sanitize your hands and anything that has come into contact with the water straight away.
• Keep children and dogs out of the water at all times.
• It is recommended you do not swim in Hobson Bay at any time at present. While the water quality at Tinana’s/Wilson’s Beach is usually good, the water quality in other parts of the bay is variable.
• Kayaking and other on-water activities within Waitaramoa/Hobson bay are generally low-risk during dry weather but should be avoided within 48 Hours of rainfall. Please take more caution near where streams enter the bay.
• Treat Ōrākei Basin with caution within 48 hours of rainfall. During dry weather the basin is safe for recreational use.
• Please observe all warning signs. Please contact Auckland Council Environmental Health on 09-301-0101 if signs have been damaged or removed
What would help?
• You can help by keeping yourself safe, letting others know and reporting any pollution you see or smell on 09 3773107
• Have your say on the Long-Term Plan for Auckland Council between 22 February 2021 -22 March 2021 which will include major projects to help resolve these issues.