Key Takeaways:
- Auckland’s beaches have been impacted by sewage overflows due to thunderstorms, affecting water quality and posing a risk to swimmers.
- Thirteen beaches were marked black by Auckland Council, indicating wastewater overflows, while dozens more were marked red, indicating poor water quality.
- The ageing wastewater infrastructure across New Zealand is unable to handle the volume of water, leading to frequent spills.
- Climate change is expected to cause more frequent spills over time due to warmer temperatures and more extreme weather events.
- Swimmers risk catching a nasty bacterial infection, including respiratory or tummy upsets, and are advised to check the SafeSwim website before entering the water.
Introduction to the Problem
Auckland’s beaches have been affected by sewage overflows, posing a risk to swimmers and beachgoers. The recent thunderstorms have filled the city’s wastewater infrastructure to capacity, causing spills into the harbour. This has resulted in poor water quality, with thirteen beaches marked black by Auckland Council, indicating wastewater overflows, and dozens more marked red, indicating poor water quality. The situation is a concern for beachgoers, who are being warned to stay out of the water to avoid catching a nasty bug.
The Impact on Beachgoers
The sewage overflows have affected the plans of many beachgoers, who had hoped to enjoy the sun and sea on their day off. Friends Chris and Lauren, who were at Herne Bay Beach, were relieved they hadn’t been swimming, but were disappointed to learn about the poor water quality. Chris said, "I had no idea. I think I’m not going to swim right now, actually. I think we’re going to have to maybe drive further down to be able to swim in the sea." Lauren, who has sensitive skin, was particularly concerned about the water quality, having experienced worse conditions during her yoga training in Bali.
The Cause of the Problem
The ageing wastewater infrastructure across New Zealand is unable to handle the volume of water, leading to frequent spills. According to Dr Mike Joy, a freshwater ecologist at Victoria University, the warming climate will cause more frequent spills over time. He explained, "You’ve got climate change, which means warmer temperatures, which means more growth of, you know, dangerous bacteria, but also more extremes in weather." The old and broken infrastructure, combined with illegal connections, allows huge amounts of water to enter the sewage system, which the treatment plants cannot handle. As a result, the gates are opened, and the contaminated water is released into the harbour.
The Risks to Swimmers
The contaminated water poses a significant risk to swimmers, who may catch a nasty bacterial infection. Dr Martin Neale, Auckland Council’s SafeSwim technical lead, warned that swimmers risked catching respiratory or tummy upsets, and that the infection could be more severe if they have a cut or open wound. He advised swimmers to check the SafeSwim website before entering the water, as the contaminated waters are expected to clear over the following two days. Neale also warned of similar interruptions throughout the rest of summer, due to the increased risk of thunderstorms.
The Solution
Watercare, the company responsible for Auckland’s wastewater infrastructure, is investing in upgrading the system to reduce spills. Jon Piggot, head of wastewater, stated that the company is investing $8 billion in new and upgraded wastewater infrastructure over the next decade, including $4.8 billion specifically in wastewater networks to reduce overflows. The Herne Bay Collector tunnel, expected to be completed in 2028, is expected to significantly improve the situation. However, until then, beachgoers will need to remain vigilant and check the SafeSwim website before entering the water. By taking these precautions, they can minimize their risk of catching a nasty bug and enjoy the beach safely.