Disappointing news for Christchurch swimmers, with high levels of faecal bacteria discovered in Lake Rua

Health New Zealand's Cheryl Brunton says samples show the water quality, isn't suitable for recreational uses, including swimming, because of the risk to health.

She says in most cases the ill-health effects from exposure to contaminated water are minor however, there is the potential for more serious diseases, such as Hepatitis A or Salmonella infection.

Health New Zealand warns, a number of other popular swimming sites in Canterbury may also have high levels of contamination after recent rainfall. 12-26-24 1338