The Kāpiti Coast District Council is advising people to remain vigilant when swimming in Kāpiti waterways. Bacteria levels are higher than usual in some of the district’s waterways due to the long dry spell and streams and rivers flushing debris during rain events.
While Kāpiti beaches and rivers are not closed to the public the Council is advising people to stay clear of streams and river mouths when at the beach, the Waikanae River, Te Horo Beach and the Paraparaumu Beach area between the Maclean Street beach access (south of the Kāpiti Boating Club access) and Nathan Avenue as bacteria levels in the water at these locations may be high enough to cause illness.
The Council says bacteria levels at monitored recreational water sites are fluctuating constantly at the moment. As a general rule of thumb people are advised to stay out of the water if it looks murky or there’s signs of debris to avoid getting sick.