Cantabrians are being advised to stay out of a number of popular swimming spots because of faecal bacteria

Te Whatu Ora says high levels were found in consecutive samples from the Selwyn River at Glentunnel and at Whitecliffs

It's thought to be because of heavy rain in the area.

People are advised to stay out of the water ,and to avoid eating shellfish from affected sites.

Water quality can be checked on Environment Canterbury's website.