Key Takeaways
- Wellington swimming spots have been marked as "unsuitable for swimming" due to pollution from wastewater discharges
- Warnings have been issued about pollution from two wastewater discharges in Wellington and Lower Hutt
- The Moa Point Wastewater Treatment Plant is undergoing an upgrade, resulting in a discharge of partially-treated wastewater
- People are advised to stay out of the water on Wellington’s south coast for at least 48 hours after rainfall
- Wastewater has also been discharged into Wellington Harbour from the Waiwhetu Stream in Lower Hutt after heavy rain
Introduction to the Issue
The city of Wellington has been experiencing issues with wastewater discharges, resulting in the marking of all swimming spots as "unsuitable for swimming". This is due to the discharge of untreated wastewater from the Moa Point Wastewater Treatment Plant, which is currently undergoing an upgrade. The plant’s ultraviolet water disinfection system is being replaced, resulting in a discharge of partially-treated wastewater about 2km off the coast of Lyall Bay. This area is popular with surfers, divers, and swimmers, making the situation a cause for concern.
The Impact of the Wastewater Discharge
The discharge of partially-treated wastewater has led to warnings being issued about pollution in the area. Wellington Water has stated that when it rains, wastewater volumes are higher than usual, and some wastewater may bypass the full treatment, resulting in a discharge of partially treated wastewater via the long outfall pipe, 1.8km offshore. This can lead to cloudy or murky water, making it unsuitable for swimming. The area is also prone to significant tidal flows, which can further dilute the wastewater. However, people are still advised to stay out of the water on Wellington’s south coast for at least 48 hours after rainfall as a precautionary measure.
The Situation in Lower Hutt
In addition to the issues on Wellington’s south coast, wastewater has also been discharged into Wellington Harbour from the Waiwhetu Stream in Lower Hutt after heavy rain. Although the wastewater is fully treated, it can still be smelly and create cloudy or murky water. Boxing Day Enterococci bacteria results for all Lower Hutt swimming spots, including popular spots Petone and Eastbourne, showed that the area was unsuitable for swimming. Land Air and Water Aotearoa (LAWA) has warned that the waste can create cloudy or murky water, making it unsuitable for swimming.
The Ongoing Monitoring and Precautions
Wellington Water has stated that they will continue to monitor the water quality in the area after rainfall and water discharges. They urge people to take extra care if recreating in the area after rainfall, and to stay out of the water for at least 48 hours after rainfall. The company is working to complete the upgrade of the Moa Point Wastewater Treatment Plant, which is expected to take until May next year. Until then, the plant will be operating at reduced capacity, and people are advised to exercise caution when swimming in the area.
The Importance of Water Quality Monitoring
The situation in Wellington highlights the importance of monitoring water quality, particularly in areas popular with swimmers and other recreational users. The discharge of wastewater can have significant impacts on the environment and human health, making it essential to take precautions and monitor water quality regularly. LAWA’s monitoring of the water quality in the area has helped to identify the issue and provide warnings to the public, demonstrating the importance of ongoing monitoring and reporting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the wastewater discharges in Wellington and Lower Hutt have resulted in the marking of all swimming spots as "unsuitable for swimming". The situation is a cause for concern, particularly for surfers, divers, and swimmers who frequent the area. While Wellington Water is working to complete the upgrade of the Moa Point Wastewater Treatment Plant, people are advised to exercise caution and stay out of the water for at least 48 hours after rainfall. Ongoing monitoring and reporting are essential to ensuring the water quality in the area is safe for recreational use, and the public is urged to take extra care when recreating in the area after rainfall.
