Wellington Water responding to untreated wastewater discharge at Moa Point Wastewater Treatment Plant

Wellington Water is responding to a significant incident at the Moa Point Wastewater Treatment Plant which has resulted in untreated wastewater discharging into Tarakena Bay on the south coast.

Since our last update, the short outfall has not been in use. Screened wastewater has been discharged via the long outfall pipe.  

Workers are onsite at Moa Point, continuing to assess the damage, working to manage odour, and manage network flows.  

Work on the larger air vent for the outfall pipe is now finished. This is designed to help improve the flow of water through the long outfall pipe, to reduce the amount of wastewater discharged through the short outfall pipe during wet weather. During the next period of heavy rain, we’ll closely monitor how much wastewater can be discharged through the long outfall pipe.  

We are continuing to explore other options to increase the flow through the long outfall pipe, remembering that screening remains the only treatment function in operation.  

As part of our recovery to the Moa Point discharge, Wellington Water has engaged mechanical and electrical specialists to help with our assessment of the damage at the plant. Two of the specialists are from Australia, two are from New Zealand, and have been chosen because they have the level of knowledge required to support our work. These specialists have been working through the weekend.  

Odour  

Increased odour is an ongoing concern and our work to reduce the risk of odour continues.  

One of the key things we’re doing to reduce the impact of odour is removing biological material and cleaning the site. We are pleased to confirm that all bulk solids have been removed, and the site is undergoing final cleaning. We will be trucking sludge off site to help with the cleaning. Screened solids (i.e. wet wipes and sanitary products) are now being processed through a wash press operating off generator power. The wash press washes and compacts inorganic material ahead of it being disposed of in landfill.

Complaints can be made directly to Greater Wellington, by phoning 0800 496 734.

Water sampling 

The latest water sampling results  are available here: sampling results and public health information

What can the community do to help?

To help reduce the amount of unscreened material being discharged from the short outfall pipe, only flush the three P’s - pee, poo and (toilet) paper. Please avoid flushing non-biodegradable items such as wet wipes and personal care products (i.e. pads, tampons).  

For more information

• For all FAQs including public health read the FAQs
• All the latest sampling results and public health information
• For guidance on safe swimming, please refer to LAWA. 

Sampling update for Saturday 21 February  

Wellington Water has released the results of water sampling taken on Friday 20 February, between 10:25am and 1pm, around the Moa Point Wastewater Treatment Plant short outfall pipe and southern coast beaches.

There will be a more substantive operational update on work being done at Moa Point on Monday morning.

Key points

• We are continuing to publish daily water sampling results from testing points around the south coast.
• Advice from Public Health has not changed at this stage and is unlikely to change over the weekend.
• Keeping people safe is our number one priority, and so public health officials recommend people follow the current advice to avoid getting sick.
• Avoid swimming, diving, gathering or eating kaimoana along the south coast.
• Wellington Water will continue to conduct water sampling and provide this information to the public as well as public health authorities to inform health advice. 

Additional context

• Sampling provides a snapshot of water conditions. Results can vary significantly, even across samples taken in close proximity of time or location. That’s why we can’t draw conclusions about current conditions from one day’s data.
• Moa Point wastewater treatment plant continues to discharge screened, but untreated, wastewater into the environment via the long outfall pipe, and the short outfall, which isn’t screened, is likely to be used during rainfall.
• Water sampling results are only one component used to assess the overall public health risk. Wellington Water is working with Wellington City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Health NZ and technical experts to regularly review this guidance. 
• There is no evidence to suggest the discharge from Moa Point Treatment Plant is reaching the inner harbour. 
• LAWA remains the best source of information for safe swimming at beaches outside the rāhui area.  

For more information

• For all FAQs including public health read the FAQs
• All the latest sampling results and public health information
• For guidance on safe swimming, please refer to LAWA. 

Sampling update for Friday 20 February  

Wellington Water has released the results of water sampling taken on Thursday 19 February, between 9am and 1pm, around the Moa Point Wastewater Treatment Plant short outfall pipe and southern coast beaches. 

There will be a more substantive operational update on work being done at Moa Point on Monday morning. 

Key points 

• We are continuing to publish daily water sampling results from testing points around the south coast.
• Public health advice has not changed at this stage and is unlikely to change over the weekend.  
• Keeping people safe is our number one priority, and so public health officials recommend people follow the current advice to avoid getting sick.
• Avoid swimming, diving, gathering or eating kaimoana along the south coast.
• Wellington Water will continue to conduct water sampling and provide this information to the public as well as public health authorities to inform health advice. 
   

Additional context: 

• Sampling provides a snapshot of water conditions. Results can vary significantly, even across samples taken in close proximity of time or location. That’s why we can’t draw conclusions about current conditions from one day’s data.
• Moa Point wastewater treatment plant continues to discharge screened, but untreated, wastewater into the environment via the long outfall pipe, and the short outfall, which isn’t screened, is likely to be used during rainfall.
• Water sampling results are only one component used to assess the overall public health risk. Wellington Water is working with Wellington City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Health NZ and technical experts to regularly review this guidance. 
• There is no evidence to suggest the discharge from Moa Point Treatment Plant is reaching the inner harbour.  
• LAWA remains the best source of information for safe swimming at beaches outside the rāhui area: www.lawa.org.nz.  

For more information

• For all FAQs including public health read the FAQs
• All the latest sampling results and public health information
• For guidance on safe swimming, please refer to LAWA. 

Over the past 24 hours, the short outfall has not been in use, and has not been in use since the last discharge on 17 February. Screened wastewater has been discharged via the long outfall pipe.  

Workers are onsite at Moa Point, continuing to assess the damage, working to manage odour, and manage network flows.  

We expect to begin construction of a much larger air vent on the outfall pipe this weekend. This is designed to help improve the flow of water through the long outfall pipe.  

We are continuing to look for other options to increase the flow through the long outfall pipe, remembering that screening remains the only treatment function in operation.    

As part of the damage assessment, experts have been flown in from Australia and Auckland to assist. It is important to clarify that our current assessment has not identified any structural issues with the outfall pipe itself which are causing the flow to be restricted (i.e. a blockage).

The amount of wastewater being discharged through the long outfall pipe is currently restricted by the amount of wastewater we can pump to the long outfall pipe.     
 
Odour   
 
Increased odour is an ongoing concern and our work to reduce the risk of odour continues.   
 
Why is there a higher risk of odour now?   

 There are three key things which may cause more odour:  

• When the plant stopped operating, the wastewater treatment process also stopped. This left wastewater inside the plant at various stages of treatment, including sludge (wastewater solids). It is important to remove this sludge as soon as possible before it becomes septic, which could cause significant odour and a health and safety risk to workers onsite.  
• The plant is receiving, screening and discharging wastewater out the long outfall pipe. This process can produce odour that would normally be managed by onsite odour treatment systems, however these were also impacted by the flooding and not currently operating.  
• Removing sludge and screened material (i.e. wet wipes) from the plant may temporarily increase odour, as it is loaded out.  

What are we doing to reduce the risk of odour impacting the community?   

We are clearing wastewater and sludge from the plant as quickly as possible. This work has been going well, and we expect the plant to be cleared by early March.  

Odour neutralisers and odour monitors are being brought onsite. Odour scouts are also regularly assessing odour levels within the plant boundary and in the community. We are working to restore odour treatment systems as quickly as possible, however we cannot provide a timeframe for this.   
 
Does this pose a risk to public health?  

No. Hydrogen sulphide, which tends to smell like rotten eggs, is odorous at much lower concentrations than the levels that can cause adverse human health effects. Reducing odour is important to protect community wellbeing, rather than physical health. High concentrations of hydrogen sulphide can pose a health and safety risk to workers onsite in enclosed spaces, and we have specific health and safety requirements and activities onsite to address this.   

Odour monitors are being installed to measure the impact at sites surrounding the plant. We have one unit available and will confirm when this is in place. Odour scouting is continuing, both onsite and in the community. 

Complaints can be made directly to Greater Wellington, by phoning 0800 496 734.  
 
Sampling update for Friday 20 February  

Wellington Water has released the results of water sampling taken on Wednesday 18 February, between 2:00pm and 4:30pm, around the Moa Point Wastewater Treatment Plant short outfall pipe and southern coast beaches. 

Key points 

• With the heavy rain past, and no usage of the short outfall, bacterial levels in the water have reduced again. 
• The results over the past few days reaffirm why the standard public health advice is to avoid swimming for 48 hours after heavy rainfall across the whole harbour. 
• Routine monitoring of other Wellington beaches displayed on LAWA that was undertaken on 17 February showed high levels of enterococcus across most beaches in the harbour. This is typical after heavy storms. For historical sampling results, visit www.lawa.org.nz and click on “Why this status?” for specific sites.
• Public health advice has not changed at this stage. People are advised to avoid swimming, diving, gathering or eating kaimoana along the south coast. 
• Keeping people safe is our number one priority, and so public health officials recommend people follow the current advice to avoid getting sick.
• There are community concerns about sea spray on houses and other surfaces. Any contamination from sea spray is expected to pose a very low health risk because bugs that cause illness are diluted quickly in the environment and do not survive long on dry surfaces. UV in sunlight is a natural disinfectant.  
• Testing of houses, cars, windows or soil is not currently recommended by public health, as it is not considered useful for assessing health risk.  
• As bacteria are always present in the environment around us, the best protection is to wash and dry hands regularly, especially before preparing or eating food, and after outdoor activities. 
• Wellington Water will continue to conduct water sampling and provide this information to the public as well as public health authorities to inform health advice. \

Additional context

• Sampling provides a snapshot of water conditions. Results can vary significantly, even across samples taken in close proximity of time or location. That’s why we can’t draw conclusions about current conditions from one day’s data. 
• Moa Point wastewater treatment plant continues to discharge screened, but untreated, wastewater into the environment via the long outfall pipe, and the short outfall, which isn’t screened, is likely to be used during rainfall.
• Water sampling results are only one component used to assess the overall public health risk. Wellington Water is working with Wellington City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Health NZ and technical experts to regularly review this guidance. 
• There is no evidence to suggest the discharge from Moa Point Treatment Plant is reaching the inner harbour. 
• LAWA remains the best source of information for safe swimming at beaches outside the rāhui area.

What can the community do to help?  
 
To help reduce the amount of unscreened material being discharged from the short outfall pipe, only flush the three P’s - pee, poo and (toilet) paper. Please avoid flushing non-biodegradable items such as wet wipes and personal care products (i.e. pads, tampons).   

To help reduce the amount of stormwater entering the wastewater system, the public can proactively check that their stormwater drainage is not connected to the wastewater system. This is commonly referred to as a cross-connection. A plumber can help identify if there is a cross-connection on your property.  
 

For more information

• For all FAQs including public health read the FAQs
• All the latest sampling results and public health information
• For guidance on safe swimming, please refer to LAWA. 

Over the past 24 hours, the short outfall has not been in use. Screened wastewater has been discharged via the long outfall pipe. 

Workers are onsite at Moa Point, continuing to assess the damage, working to manage odour, and manage network flows.  

We expect to begin construction of a much larger air vent on the outfall pipe this weekend. This is designed to help improve the flow of water through the long outfall pipe.

We are continuing to look for other options to increase the flow through the long outfall pipe, remembering that screening remains the only treatment function in operation.  

As part of the damage assessment, experts are being flown in from Sydney to assist. It is important to clarify that our current assessment has not identified any structural issues with the outfall pipe itself which are causing the flow to be restricted (i.e. a blockage). The amount of wastewater being discharged through the long outfall pipe is currently restricted by the amount of wastewater we can pump to the long outfall pipe.    

Odour  

Increased odour is an ongoing concern and our work to reduce the risk of odour continues.  

Why is there a higher risk of odour now?  

There are three key things which may cause more odour:  

• When the plant stopped operating, the wastewater treatment process also stopped. This left wastewater inside the plant at various stages of treatment, including sludge (wastewater solids). It is important to remove this sludge as soon as possible before it becomes septic, which could cause significant odour and a health and safety risk to workers onsite.  
• The plant is receiving, screening and discharging wastewater out the long outfall pipe. This process can produce odour that would normally be managed by onsite odour treatment systems, however these were also impacted by the flooding and not currently operating.  
• Removing sludge and screened material (i.e. wet wipes) from the plant may temporarily increase odour, as it is loaded out.  

What are we doing to reduce the risk of odour impacting the community? 

We are clearing wastewater and sludge from the plant as quickly as possible. This work has been going well, and we expect the plant to be cleared by early March.  

Odour neutralisers and odour monitors are being brought onsite. Odour scouts are also regularly assessing odour levels within the plant boundary and in the community. We are working to restore odour treatment systems as quickly as possible, however we cannot provide a timeframe for this.  

Does this pose a risk to public health?  

No. Hydrogen sulphide, which tends to smell like rotten eggs, is odorous at much lower concentrations than the levels that can cause adverse human health effects. Reducing odour is important to protect community wellbeing, rather than physical health. High concentrations of hydrogen sulphide can pose a health and safety risk to workers onsite in enclosed spaces, and we have specific health and safety requirements and activities onsite to address this. 

Odour monitors are being installed to measure the impact at sites surrounding the plant. We have one unit available and will confirm when this is in place. Odour scouting is continuing, both onsite and in the community.  

Complaints can be made directly to Greater Wellington, by phoning 0800 496 734.

Sampling update for Thursday 19 February  
Wellington Water has released the results of water sampling taken on Tuesday 17 February, between 11.00am and 2.00pm, around the Moa Point Wastewater Treatment Plant short outfall pipe and southern coast beaches.  

Key points  

• As expected, due to the heavy rain in Wellinton on Monday 16 February, our most recent water sampling results (taken on Tuesday 17 February) show that Enterococcus (bacteria) levels have increased.  
• Public health advice remains the same: it is strongly recommended for the public stay out of the water on the South coast of Wellington. Do not collect kai moana.  
• We will continue to conduct water sampling and provide this information to the public as well as public health authorities to inform health advice.  

*Sampling results have not been released since Tuesday 17 February. This is because sampling did not take place on Monday 16 February for health and safety reasons (with the recent storm passing). Sampling resumed Tuesday 17 February, with our sampling results published today.   

Additional context:  

• Sampling provides a snapshot of water conditions. Results can vary significantly even across samples taken in close proximity of time or location.  
• That is why we cannot draw conclusions about current conditions from one day’s data.  
• In addition, Moa Point wastewater treatment plant continues to discharge screened, but untreated, wastewater into the environment via the long outfall pipe.  
• Given these factors, the risk to public health from swimming, surfing, boating or gathering and eating kai moana remains too unpredictable to change the current guidance.    
• Water sampling results are only one component used to assess the overall public health risk. Wellington Water is working with Wellington City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Health NZ and technical experts to regularly review this guidance.   
• Keeping people safe is our number one priority, and so public health officials recommend people follow the current advice to avoid getting sick.  
• There is no evidence to suggest the discharge from Moa Point Treatment Plant is reaching the inner harbour.  
• LAWA remains the best source of information for safe swimming at beaches outside the rāhui area.  
• Avoid swimming for at least 2-3 days after heavy or prolonged rain, even for sites that have good water quality.

What can the community do to help? 

To help reduce the amount of unscreened material being discharged from the short outfall pipe, only flush the three P’s - pee, poo and (toilet) paper. Please avoid flushing non-biodegradable items such as wet wipes and personal care products (i.e. pads, tampons).  

To help reduce the amount of stormwater entering the wastewater system, the public can proactively check that their stormwater drainage is not connected to the wastewater system. This is commonly referred to as a cross-connection. A plumber can help identify if there is a cross-connection on your property. 

For more information

• For all FAQs including public health read the FAQs
• All the latest sampling results and public health information
• For guidance on safe swimming, please refer to LAWA. 

Over the past 24 hours, the short outfall has not been in use. Screened wastewater has been discharged via the long outfall pipe.

Workers are onsite at Moa Point, continuing to assess the damage, working to manage odour, and manage network flows.  

Our top priority is to increase the volume of screened wastewater that can be discharged via the long outfall pipe. We are working this week to construct a much larger air vent on the outfall pipe to help improve the flow of water through the pipe.  We are continuing to look for other options to increase the flow through the long outfall pipe, remembering that screening remains the only treatment function in operation.

It is important to clarify that our current assessment has not identified any structural issues with the outfall pipe itself which are causing the flow to be restricted (i.e. a blockage). The amount of wastewater being discharged through the long outfall pipe is currently restricted by the amount of wastewater we can pump to the long outfall pipe.  

The plant can currently pump between 1,300 – 1,500 litres per second through the long outfall, which is more than enough for average dry weather flows (700 – 900 litres per second). However, during wet weather events, any wastewater over and above the current limits needs to be diverted to the short outfall.

Odour  
Increased odour is an ongoing concern and our work to reduce the risk of odour continues. Odour will be more noticeable while the plant odour and ventilation equipment is offline and screening is working in a temporary configuration.  

To reduce the level of odour experienced by the community, we are cleaning the plant, flushing the plant’s tanks of biological material/waste and trucking screenings offsite, and using odour neutralising equipment.  
We are working quickly to clear the site to reduce the risk of odour impacting the community. Odour neutralisers are adjusted when needed to accommodate the changing wind directions. The levels of hydrogen sulphide detected at the plant do not pose a health risk to the community.

We appreciate the significant impact odour can have on the community, and do not take this lightly. If you have any questions or feedback, please reach out to community@wellingtonwater.co.nz. 

Complaints can be made directly to Greater Wellington, by phoning 0800 496 734.

Odour monitors are being installed to measure the impact at sites surrounding the plant. We have one unit available and will confirm when this is in place. Odour scouting is continuing, both onsite and in the community.

Water Sampling

Due to the weather conditions on Monday, it was not safe to carry out water sampling. No sampling results will be published today. Water sampling began again yesterday, and will continue on a daily basis moving forward, subject to health and safety considerations.

Why is there increased wastewater during wet weather?  
During and following wet weather events, inflow and infiltration from stormwater are common. This causes a sharp increase in the amount of wastewater flowing through the network.  

• Inflow refers to stormwater that enters the wastewater network directly, usually from sources such as illegal roof downpipe connections, low gully traps, or cross connected stormwater systems. Inflow causes rapid increases in the level of water entering the wastewater network, and can lead to surcharging and overflows.
• Infiltration is when the ground gets saturated by rain, and the water seeps from the soil into the wastewater network buried underground through defects such as deteriorated pipe joints, cracked or damaged pipes, or private laterals (the wastewater pipes which take wastewater from your home and connect to the public network) which are in poor condition. 

What can the community do to help? 
To help reduce the amount of unscreened material being discharged from the short outfall pipe, only flush the three P’s - pee, poo and (toilet) paper. Please avoid flushing non-biodegradable items such as wet wipes and personal care products (i.e. pads, tampons).  

To help reduce the amount of stormwater entering the wastewater system, the public can proactively check that their stormwater drainage is not connected to the wastewater system. This is commonly referred to as a cross-connection. A plumber can help identify if there is a cross-connection on your property.

For more information

• For all FAQs including public health read the FAQs
• All the latest sampling results and public health information
• For guidance on safe swimming, please refer to LAWA. 

Current situation  
The plant is using both the long outfall pipe and short outfall pipe. Due to the weather conditions, we expect the short outfall to be used intermittently as required. Screened wastewater is being discharged through the long outfall, and unscreened wastewater through the short outfall. The majority of the flow is being discharged through the long outfall.  

Screening removes solid items like wipes and sanitary products, but the wastewater has not gone through biological or ultraviolet treatment.  

It is important to clarify that our current assessment has not identified any issues with the outfall pipe itself which are causing the flow to be restricted (i.e. a blockage). Network flows through the long outfall pipe are currently restricted by the volume of wastewater we can pump to the long outfall pipe.  

Moa Point can currently only pump between 1,300 – 1,500 litres per second through the long outfall, which is more than enough for average dry weather flows. Any additional wastewater needs to be diverted to the short outfall. Over January, flows through the long outfall pipe jumped from an average of 782 litres per second during dry weather, to a peak inflow of 3,221 litres per second during wet weather.

Use of the short outfall pipe  
Over the past 24 hours, the short outfall pipe has been used intermittently, due to increased flows during wet weather. We estimate that approximately 3 million litres of untreated, unscreened wastewater was discharged over the last 24 hours.  

Why is there increased wastewater during wet weather?  

During and following wet weather events, inflow and infiltration from stormwater are common. This causes a sharp increase in the amount of wastewater flowing through the network.  

• Inflow refers to stormwater that enters the wastewater network directly, usually from sources such as illegal roof downpipe connections, low gully traps, or cross connected stormwater systems. Inflow causes rapid increases in the level of water entering the wastewater network, and can lead to surcharging and overflows. 
• Infiltration is when the ground gets saturated by rain, and the water seeps from the soil into the wastewater network buried underground through defects such as deteriorated pipe joints, cracked or damaged pipes, or private laterals (the wastewater pipes which take wastewater from your home and connect to the public network) which are in poor condition.

What can the community do to help?

To help reduce the amount of unscreened material being discharged from the short outfall pipe, please avoid flushing non-biodegradable items such as wet wipes and personal care products (i.e. pads, tampons).  

To help reduce the amount of stormwater entering the wastewater system, the public can proactively check that their stormwater drainage is not connected to the wastewater system. This is commonly referred to as a cross-connection. A plumber can help identify if there is a cross-connection on your property.

Work onsite  
Workers are onsite at Moa Point, continuing to assess the damage, work to manage odour, and manage network flows.  

Our top priority is to increase the volume of screened wastewater that can be discharged via the long outfall pipe. We are working this week to construct a much larger air vent on the outfall pipe to help improve the flow of water through the pipe.  We are continuing to look for other options to increase the flow through the long outfall pipe, while screening remains the only treatment function in operation.

Odour  
We continue to observe low-to-no levels of hydrogen sulphide on site, and the strong winds mean that low odour is expected around the plant and in the surrounding community. However, increased odour is an ongoing concern and our work to reduce the risk of odour continues. Odour will be more noticeable while the plant odour and ventilation equipment is offline and screening is working in a temporary configuration.  

To reduce the level of odour experienced by the community, we are cleaning the plant, flushing the plant’s tanks of biological material/waste and trucking screenings offsite, and using odour neutralising equipment.  

Correction to yesterday’s update: odour monitors are being installed to measure the impact at sites surrounding the plant. We have one unit available and will confirm when this is in place. Odour scouting is continuing, both onsite and in the community.  

For more information

• For all FAQs including public health read the FAQs
• All the latest sampling results and public health information
• For guidance on safe swimming, please refer to LAWA. 

Steady progress is being made at the Moa Point Wastewater Treatment Plant to clean the plant, reduce the impact of odour and inspect the damage.  

Use of the short outfall pipe 

As expected, the wet weather has caused an increase in network flows, some of which has been diverted to the short outfall.  

The short outfall was in use between 10:30pm and 1:30am last night (15th February). 

The short outfall began to be used again this morning at approximately 10am. Due to the weather conditions, we expect the short outfall to be used intermittently for at least the next 24 hours.  

Current situation 

The plant is using both the long outfall pipe and short outfall pipe. Due to the weather conditions, we expect the short outfall to be used intermittently as required. Screened wastewater is being discharged through the long outfall, and unscreened wastewater through the short outfall. The majority of the flow is being discharged through the long outfall. 

Screening removes solid items like wipes and sanitary products, but the wastewater has not gone through biological or ultraviolet treatment. To help reduce the amount of unscreened material from the short outfall pipe, please avoid flushing non-biodegradable items such as wipes and sanitary products. 

The wet weather has also made it hazardous for sampling, and planned beach patrols. To keep our people safe, sampling and patrols have been called off and will resume tomorrow. 

This means that we will not publish sampling results for Monday 16th February. The sampling results provided today are for Saturday 14th February. 

Work onsite 

Workers are onsite at Moa Point, continuing to assess the damage, work to manage odour, and manage network flows.  

Workers are following enhanced risk control protocols which enable them to work safely in the plant. This includes additional personal protective equipment (PPE), and thorough task-based risk analysis for the specific tasks being undertaken. Current protocols include respiratory protective equipment with hydrogen sulphide filters, disposable overalls, and personal gas detectors. These precautions are above the standard operating procedures at the plant. As the work continues and the risk reduces, more workers will be able to access site, though strict health and safety protocols will still be required.  

Reducing levels of hydrogen sulphide at the plant has been vital, both for the safety of our workers, and reducing the impact of odour on the community. Recent hydrogen sulphide monitoring has confirmed low to no levels of hydrogen sulphide onsite. Hydrogen sulphide has a ‘rotten egg’ smell, and at very high levels can pose a safety risk. Hydrogen sulphide at the levels observed at the plant does not pose a risk to the public. 

The plant is continuing to discharge screened wastewater through the long outfall pipe. This means solid items like wipes and sanitary products are removed, but the wastewater has not gone through biological or ultraviolet treatment.   

Public health advice 

Public health advice remains consistent: Untreated wastewater poses a high risk to public health. We strongly advise the community to stay away from the south coast beaches.  

In windy conditions, there is a low risk that sea spray containing bugs could cause illness.  It is best to avoid areas close to the area where the sewage is discharging when the wind is blowing sea spray onto the shore. In conditions with large wave action and strong wind, as a precaution keep windows closed.  The biggest risk to health is from direct contact with the water such as swimming.

If you develop symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, cough, rash, irritation of the ear, nose or throat, seek medical attention and inform the healthcare provider of your possible contact with sewage. Healthline is a free over-the phone health service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 0800 611 116. 

Odour 

The low-to-no levels of hydrogen sulphide observed on site and the strong winds mean that low odour is expected around the plant and in the surrounding community. However, increased odour is an ongoing concern and our work to reduce the risk of odour continues. Odour will be more noticeable while the plant odour and ventilation equipment is offline and screening is working in a temporary configuration. 

In order to reduce the level of odour experienced by the community, we are cleaning the plant, flushing the plant’s tanks of biological material/waste and trucking screenings offsite, and using odour neutralising equipment. We have odour monitors measuring the impact at sites surrounding the plant.   

Sampling update for 16 February  

Wellington Water has released the results of water sampling taken on Saturday 14 February, between 8.00am and 11.20am, around the Moa Point Wastewater Treatment Plant short outfall pipe and southern coast beaches. 

Sampling will not be taking place today due to the health and safety risk however this will recommence when possible.  

We will continue to sample and publish results until further notice. 

Key points for 16 February  

• Discharge from the short outfall bypasses the screening process, meaning the discharge would include solid material such as wipes and period products. It would also mean wastewater is entering the ocean much closer to shore. 
• The combination of rain and strong southerly winds may increase the likelihood of untreated wastewater being pushed towards the shoreline. 
• As expected, due to the weather conditions, we are starting to see some high levels of Enterococcus (bacteria) in the sampling results. 
• Rain effects the water quality across all of Wellington due to discharge from the rivers which are affected by pollutants from rural and urban run-off. 
• Frequently asked questions regarding sea spray have been answered by public health officials, and are available on our website please scroll down to the Public Health FAQs section. 
• The sampling results from Sunday 15 February will be available Tuesday 17 February, these will provide more information regarding any changes which may have taken place due to the weather. 
• Please note, Owhiro Bay sampling results are not related to the Moa Point discharge incident. These elevated levels reflect ongoing variable quality in the Owhiro Stream, please refer to existing warning on LAWA website. 
• Testing for harmful bacteria in seawater takes time. Samples have to be grown in a laboratory for a minimum of 24 hours in order to be accurately measured, and those results need to be reviewed so they are as reliable as possible to inform decisions about public health. 
• Sampling provides a snapshot of water conditions. Results can vary significantly even across samples taken in close proximity of time or location.  
• That is why we cannot draw conclusions about current conditions from one day’s data. 
• In addition, Moa Point wastewater treatment plant continues to discharge screened, but untreated, wastewater into the environment via the long outfall pipe. 
• Given these factors, the risk to public health from swimming, surfing, boating or gathering and eating kai moana remains too unpredictable to change the current guidance.   
• Water sampling results are only one component used to assess the overall public health risk. Wellington Water is working with Wellington City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Health NZ and technical experts to regularly review this guidance.  
• Keeping people safe is our number one priority, and so public health officials recommend people follow the current advice to avoid getting sick. 
• There is no evidence to suggest the discharge from Moa Point Treatment Plant is reaching the inner harbour. 
• LAWA remains the best source of information for safe swimming at beaches outside the rāhui area. 
• Avoid swimming for at least 2-3 days after heavy or prolonged rain, even for sites that have good water quality. 

For more information

• For general information read the FAQs
• For information on sampling results and methods
• For guidance on safe swimming, please refer to LAWA. 

Current situation
Steady progress is being made at the Moa Point Wastewater Treatment Plant to clean the plant, mitigate the impacts of odour and inspect the damage.  

We are also closely monitoring the forecast weather over this weekend.  High swells are forecast, and we will assess the impact of this on the beaches. 
 
The plant is continuing to discharge screened wastewater through the long outfall pipe. This means solid items like wipes and sanitary products have been removed, but it has not gone through biological or ultraviolet treatment.  
  
No wastewater has been discharged through the short outfall pipe since 9pm Thursday 5 February. However, it will be required at short notice if there is increased flow into the plant. Should this occur, dedicated clean-up activity will take place to remove any solid items that may reach the shoreline.

In the meantime, we are continuing to investigate options to increase the capacity of screened wastewater through the long outfall pipe. This would reduce the risk of needing to use the short outfall pipe during higher flows. 

Removal of biological material from the plant and the cleaning of affected rooms is ongoing. We are continuing to ascertain the full impact of flooding on the plant’s equipment and operations. This assessment will take some time, and we still expect there will be an extended outage at the plant.   
 
Odour will be more noticeable while the plant odour and ventilation equipment is offline and screening is working in a temporary configuration. Odour will also be present during the removal of sludge from the plant. Odour neutralising equipment is being deployed to reduce the amount of odour around the plant, and we have odour monitors measuring the impact at sites surrounding the plant.    
 
We thank the Wellington community for their support and understanding. This is a complex and changeable situation, and we appreciate that it creates a lot of uncertainty and concern for our natural environment, which we share. 

Water Sampling

Wellington Water has released the results of water sampling taken on Thursday 12 February, between 9.30am and 1.00pm, around the Moa Point Wastewater Treatment Plant short outfall pipe and southern coast beaches. 

There has been no discharge from the short outfall pipe since 9pm, Thursday 5 February. We will continue to sample and publish results daily until further notice. 

Key points for 14 February  

• The incoming weather is creating some concern due to the combination of rain and strong southerly winds which may increase the likelihood of untreated wastewater being pushed towards the shoreline. 
• Refer to the public health frequently asked questions on our website, provided by public health officials, if you have any concerns regarding sea spray. 
• We are watching the next few days’ sampling results to better understand the effects from the weather.
• The sampling results from Saturday 14 February will be available Monday 16 February; these will provide more information regarding any changes which may have taken place due to the weather. 
• Due to the effects rain has on coastal areas, please continue to follow the advice from LAWA to not swim for two days following rain fall. 
• Please note, Owhiro Bay sampling results are not related to the Moa Point discharge incident. These elevated levels reflect ongoing variable quality in the Owhiro Stream, please refer to existing warning on LAWA website. 
• Testing for harmful bacteria in seawater takes time. Samples have to be grown in a laboratory for a minimum of 24 hours in order to be accurately measured, and those results need to be reviewed so they are as reliable as possible to inform decisions about public health. 
• Sampling provides a snapshot of water conditions. Results can vary significantly even across samples taken in close proximity of time or location.  
• That is why we cannot draw conclusions about current conditions from one day’s data. 
• In addition, Moa Point wastewater treatment plant continues to discharge screened, but untreated, wastewater into the environment via the long outfall pipe. 
• Rainfall is forecast over the weekend which may result in a discharge from the short outfall. This would bypass the screening process, meaning the discharge would include solid material such as wipes and period products. It would also mean wastewater is entering the ocean much closer to shore. 
• Given these factors, the risk to public health from swimming, surfing, boating or gathering and eating kai moana remains too unpredictable to change the current guidance.  
• Water sampling results are only one component used to assess the overall public health risk. Wellington Water is working with Wellington City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Health NZ and technical experts to regularly review this guidance.  
• Keeping people safe is our number one priority, and so public health officials recommend people follow the current advice to avoid getting sick. 
• There is no evidence to suggest the discharge from Moa Point Treatment Plant is reaching the inner harbour.
• LAWA remains the best source of information for safe swimming at beaches outside the rāhui area. 

For more information

• For general information read the FAQs
• For information on sampling results and methods
• For guidance on safe swimming, please refer to LAWA. 

Current Situation

Steady progress is being made at the Moa Point Wastewater Treatment Plant to clean the plant, mitigate the impacts of odour and inspect the damage.  

We are also closely monitoring the forecasted weather over the weekend.  
 
The plant is continuing to discharge screened wastewater through the long outfall pipe. This means solid items like wipes and sanitary products have been removed, but it has not gone through biological or ultraviolet treatment.  
  
No wastewater has been discharged through the short outfall pipe since 9pm Thursday 5 February. However, it will be required at short notice if there is increased flow into the plant. Should this occur, dedicated clean-up activity will take place to remove any solid items that may reach the shoreline.

In the meantime, we are continuing to investigate options to increase the capacity of screened wastewater through the long outfall pipe. This would reduce the risk of needing to use the short outfall pipe during higher flows. 

Removal of biological material from the plant and the cleaning of affected rooms is ongoing. We are continuing to ascertain the full impact of flooding on the plant’s equipment and operations. This assessment will take some time, and we still expect there will be an extended outage at the plant.   
 
Odour will be more noticeable while the plant odour and ventilation equipment is offline, and screening is working in a temporary configuration. Odour will also be present during the removal of sludge from the plant. Odour neutralising equipment is being deployed to reduce the amount of odour around the plant, and we have odour monitors measuring the impact at sites surrounding the plant.    
 
We thank the Wellington community for their support and understanding. This is a complex and changeable situation, and we appreciate that it creates a lot of uncertainty and concern for our natural environment, which we share. 

Sampling

Wellington Water has released the results of water sampling taken on Wednesday 11 February, between 10.00am and 1.30pm, around the Moa Point Wastewater Treatment Plant short outfall pipe and southern coast beaches. 

There has been no discharge from the short outfall pipe since 9pm, Thursday 5 February. 

We will continue to sample and publish results daily until further notice. 

Key points for 13 February  

• The incoming weather is creating some concern due to the combination of rain and strong southerly winds which could significantly increase the likelihood of untreated wastewater being pushed towards the shoreline. 
• We are watching the next few days sampling results to better understand the effects from the weather. 
• The sampling results from Friday 13 February will be available Sunday 15 February, these will provide more information regarding any changes which may have taken place due to the weather. 
• Due to the effects rain has on coastal areas, please continue to follow the advice from LAWA to not swim for two days following rain fall. 
• Please note, Owhiro Bay sampling results are not related to the Moa Point discharge incident. These elevated levels reflect ongoing variable quality in the Owhiro Stream, please refer to existing warning on LAWA website. 
• Testing for harmful bacteria in seawater takes time. Samples have to be grown in a laboratory for a minimum of 24 hours in order to be accurately measured, and those results need to be reviewed so they are as reliable as possible to inform decisions about public health. 
• Sampling provides a snapshot of water conditions. Results can vary significantly even across samples taken in close proximity of time or location.  
• That is why we cannot draw conclusions about current conditions from one day’s data. 
• In addition, Moa Point wastewater treatment plant continues to discharge screened, but untreated, wastewater into the environment via the long outfall pipe. 
• Rainfall is forecast over the weekend, which is likely to result in a discharge from the short outfall. This would bypass the screening process, meaning the discharge would include solid material such as wipes and period products. It would also mean wastewater is entering the ocean much closer to shore. 
• Given these factors, the risk to public health from swimming, surfing, boating or gathering and eating kai moana remains too unpredictable to change the current guidance.   
• Water sampling results are only one component used to assess the overall public health risk. Wellington Water is working with Wellington City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Health NZ and technical experts to regularly review this guidance.  
• Keeping people safe is our number one priority, and so public health officials recommend people follow the current advice to avoid getting sick. 
• There is no evidence to suggest the discharge from Moa Point Treatment Plant is reaching the inner harbour. 
• LAWA remains the best source of information for safe swimming at beaches outside the rāhui area. 

For more information

• For general information read the FAQs
• For information on sampling results and methods
• For guidance on safe swimming, please refer to LAWA. 

Steady progress is being made at Moa Point Treatment Plant to clean the plant, mitigate the impacts of odour and inspect the damage.   
  
Moa Point Treatment Plant is continuing to discharge screened wastewater through the long outfall pipe. This means solid items like wipes and sanitary products have been removed, but it has not gone through biological or ultraviolet treatment.   
   
No wastewater has been discharged through the short outfall pipe since 9pm Thursday 5 February. However, it could be required at short notice if there is increased flow into the plant, and we are closely monitoring the rain forecast for later in the week. We are continuing to investigate options to increase the capacity of screened wastewater through the long outfall pipe to reduce the risk of needing to use of the short outfall pipe during higher flows.  
  
The removal of biological material from the plant and the cleaning of affected rooms has progressed, and this work is continuing today. Fresh water is being flushed through the biological treatment areas of the plant to reduce levels of hydrogen sulphide, which makes the interior of the plant hazardous to enter, and minimise the potential for odour.   
  
We are continuing to ascertain the full impact of the flooding on the plant’s equipment and operations. This assessment will take some time, and we still expect that this will be an extended outage at the plant.    
  
Odour complaints have been received, and odour levels will be more noticeable while the plant odour and ventilation equipment is offline and screening is working in a temporary configuration. Odour will also be present during the removal of sludge from the plant. Odour neutralising equipment is being deployed to reduce the amount of odour around the plant, and we have odour monitors measuring the impact at sites surrounding the plant.     
  
We thank the Wellington community for their support and understanding. This is a complex and changeable situation, and we appreciate that it creates a lot of uncertainty and concern for our natural environment, which we share.  
   
Sampling  
  
Wellington Water has released the results of water sampling taken on Tuesday 10 February, between 9:30am and 1pm, around the Moa Point Wastewater Treatment Plant short outfall pipe and southern coast beaches.  
  
There has been no discharge from the short outfall pipe since 9pm, Thursday 5 February.  
  
We will continue to sample and publish results daily until further notice.  

Key points
  
• Testing for harmful bacteria in seawater takes time. Samples have to be grown in a laboratory for a minimum of 24 hours in order to be accurately measured, and those results need to be reviewed so they are as reliable as possible to inform decisions about public health.  
• Sampling provides a snapshot of water conditions. Results can vary significantly even across samples taken in close proximity of time or location.   
• That is why we cannot draw conclusions about current conditions from one day’s data.  
• In addition, Moa Point wastewater treatment plant continues to discharge screened, but untreated, wastewater into the environment via the long outfall pipe.  
• Rainfall is forecast over the weekend, which is likely to result in a discharge from the short outfall. This would bypass the screening process, meaning the discharge would include solid material such as wipes and period products. It would also mean wastewater is entering the ocean much closer to shore.  
• Given these factors, the risk to public health from swimming, surfing, boating or gathering and eating kai moana remains too unpredictable to change the current guidance.    
• Water sampling results are only one component used to assess the overall public health risk. Wellington Water is working with Wellington City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Health NZ and technical experts to regularly review this guidance.   
• Keeping people safe is our number one priority, and so public health officials recommend people follow the current advice to avoid getting sick.  
• There is no evidence to suggest the discharge from Moa Point Treatment Plant is reaching the inner harbour.  
• LAWA remains the best source of information for safe swimming at beaches outside the rāhui area. 

For more information

• For general information read the FAQs
• For information on sampling results and methods
• For guidance on safe swimming, please refer to LAWA. 

Moa Point Treatment Plant is continuing to discharge screened wastewater through the long outfall pipe. This means solid items like wipes and sanitary products have been removed, but it has not gone through biological or ultraviolet treatment.  

No wastewater has been discharged through the short outfall pipe since 9pm Thursday 5 February. However, it could be required at short notice if there is increased flow into the plant, and we are closely monitoring the rain forecast for later in the week. We are investigating options to increase the capacity of screened wastewater through the long outfall pipe to reduce the risk of needing to use of the short outfall pipe during higher flows. 

Removing biological material from the plant and cleaning out affected rooms is a significant task, and this work is continuing today. Fresh water is being flushed through the biological treatment areas of the plant to reduce levels of hydrogen sulphide, which makes the interior of the plant hazardous to enter.  

We are continuing to ascertain the full impact of the flooding on the plant’s equipment and operations. This assessment will take some time, and we still expect that this will be an extended outage at the plant.  

Odour complaints have been received, and odour levels will be more noticeable while the plant odour and ventilation equipment is offline and screening is working in a temporary configuration. Odour will also be present during the removal of sludge from the plant. Odour neutralising equipment is being deployed to reduce the amount of odour around the plant, and we have odour monitors measuring the impact at sites surrounding the plant.

We thank the Wellington community for their support and understanding. This is a complex and changeable situation, and we appreciate that it creates a lot of uncertainty and concern for our natural environment, which we share. 
  
Sampling  
 
Water sampling results have been released for Monday 9 February, between 10:30am and 2:00pm, around the Moa Point Wastewater Treatment Plant short outfall pipe and southern coast beaches. 
 
There has been no discharge from the short outfall pipe since 9pm, Thursday 5 February. 

We will continue to sample and publish results daily until further notice. 

Key points

• Please note, Owhiro Bay sampling results are not related to the Moa Point discharge incident. These elevated levels reflect ongoing variable quality in the Owhiro Stream, please refer to existing warning on LAWA website. 
• Rainfall is forecast for the end of this week, which is likely to result in a discharge from the short outfall. 
• Public health officials strongly advise against gathering shellfish or kai moana on the south coast beaches. Shellfish remain contaminated for weeks after exposure to wastewater.  
• Public health officials continue to caution people against visiting the south coast beaches, swimming, kayaking, or otherwise coming into contact with sea water or spray. 
• Water sampling results are only one component used to assess the overall public health risk. Wellington Water is working with Wellington City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Health NZ and technical experts to regularly review this guidance. 
• Tides, rain and other weather conditions can all significantly impact the results, and changes can occur quickly. The weather conditions over the past week (no rain and absence of a strong southerly) were very favourable in terms of limiting the impact of the discharge outside the immediately affected area. 
• While Moa Point Wastewater Treatment Plant continues to discharge untreated wastewater to the ocean, and there is a high probability of the short outfall being used in wet weather, the risk to public health remains high. 
• There is no evidence to suggest the discharge from Moa Point Treatment Plant is reaching the inner harbour. 
• LAWA remains the best source of information for safe swimming at beaches outside the rāhui area. 

For more information

• For general information read the FAQs
• For information on sampling results and methods
• For guidance on safe swimming, please refer to LAWA. 

Current situation  

Work is continuing at Moa Point Treatment Plant to clean the plant and minimise the impacts of odour.  

Moa Point Treatment Plant is continuing to discharge screened wastewater through the long outfall pipe. This means solid items like wipes and sanitary products have been removed, but it has not gone through biological or ultraviolet treatment.  

No wastewater has been discharged through the short outfall pipe since 9pm Thursday 5 February. However, it could be required at short notice if there is increased flow into the plant. We are investigating options to increase the capacity of screened wastewater through the long outfall pipe to reduce the risk of needing to use of the short outfall pipe during higher flows.  

Removing biological material from the plant and cleaning out affected rooms is a significant task. Approximately 90% of this has been completed and this work has continued today. Fresh water is being flushed through the biological treatment areas of the plant to reduce levels of hydrogen sulphide, which makes the interior of the plant hazardous to enter.  

We are continuing to ascertain the full impact of the flooding on the plant’s equipment and operations. This assessment will take some time, and we still expect that this will be an extended outage at the plant.

Odour complaints have been received, and odour levels will be more noticeable while the plant odour and ventilation equipment is offline and screening is working in a temporary configuration. Odour neutralising equipment is being deployed to reduce the amount of odour around the plant, and we have odour monitors measuring the impact at sites surrounding the plant.  

We thank the Wellington community for their support and understanding. This is a complex and changeable situation, and we appreciate that it creates a lot of uncertainty and concern for our natural environment, which we share. 

Sampling  
 Water sampling results have been released for Sunday 8 February, between 10:30am and 2:00pm, around the Moa Point treatment plant short outfall pipe and southern coast beaches.

There has been no discharge from the short outfall pipe since 9pm, Thursday 5 February. 

We will continue to sample and publish results daily until further notice. 

Key points  

• Results indicate that the untreated wastewater initially discharged from the short outfall has dispersed from the area around Tarakena Bay. 
• Rainfall is forecast for the end of this week, which is likely to result in a discharge from the short outfall. 
• Public health officials strongly advise against gathering shellfish or kai moana on the south coast beaches. Shellfish remain contaminated for weeks after exposure to wastewater.   
• Public health officials continue to caution people against visiting the south coast beaches, swimming, kayaking, or otherwise coming into contact with sea water or spray. 
• Water sampling results are only one component used to assess the overall public health risk. Wellington Water is working with Wellington City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Health NZ and technical experts to regularly review this guidance. 
• Tides, rain and other weather conditions can all significantly impact the results, and changes can occur quickly. The weather conditions over the past week (no rain and absence of a strong southerly) were very favourable in terms of limiting the impact of the discharge outside the immediately affected area. 
• While Moa Point Treatment Plant continues to discharge untreated wastewater to the ocean, and there is a high probability of the short outfall being used in wet weather, the risk to public health remains high. 
• There is no evidence to suggest the discharge from Moa Point Treatment Plant is reaching the inner harbour. 
• LAWA remains the best source of information for safe swimming at beaches outside the rāhui area.  

For more information

• For general information read the FAQs
• For information on sampling results and methods
• For guidance on safe swimming, please refer to LAWA. 

Current situation  

Work is continuing at Moa Point Treatment Plant today to clean the plant and minimise the impacts of odour.  
 
Moa Point Treatment Plant is continuing to discharge screened wastewater through the long outfall pipe. This means solid items like wipes and sanitary products have been removed, but it has not gone through biological or ultraviolet treatment.  
  
No wastewater has been discharged through the short outfall pipe since 9pm Thursday 5 February. However, it could be required at short notice if there is increased flow into the plant. We are investigating options to increase the capacity of screened wastewater through the long outfall pipe to reduce the risk of needing to use of the short outfall pipe during higher flows.   
  
Removing biological material from the plant and cleaning out affected rooms is a significant task. Approximately 90% of this has been completed and this work will continue today. Fresh water is being flushed through the biological treatment areas of the plant to reduce levels of hydrogen sulphide, which makes the interior of the plant hazardous to enter.  
 
We are continuing to ascertain the full impact of the flooding on the plant’s equipment and operations. This assessment will take some time, and we still expect that this will be an extended outage at the plant.   
 
Odour levels will be more noticeable while the plant odour and ventilation equipment is offline, and screening is working in a temporary configuration. Odour neutralising equipment is being deployed to reduce the amount of odour around the plant, and we have odour monitors measuring the impact at sites surrounding the plant.  
   
We thank the Wellington community for their support and understanding. This is a complex and changeable situation, and we appreciate that it creates a lot of uncertainty and concern for our natural environment, which we share. 
  
Sampling  

Water sampling results have been released for Sunday 8 February, between 10:30am and 2:00pm, around the Moa Point treatment plant short outfall pipe and southern coast beaches. 
 
There has been no discharge from the short outfall pipe since 9pm, Thursday 5 February. 

We will continue to sample and publish results daily until further notice. 

Key points  

• Results indicate that the untreated wastewater initially discharged from the short outfall has dispersed from the area around Tarakena Bay. 
• Rainfall is forecast for the end of this week, which is likely to result in a discharge from the short outfall. 
• Public health officials strongly advise against gathering shellfish or kai moana on the south coast beaches. Shellfish remain contaminated for weeks after exposure to wastewater.  
• Public health officials continue to caution people against visiting the south coast beaches, swimming, kayaking, or otherwise coming into contact with sea water or spray.
• Water sampling results are only one component used to assess the overall public health risk. Wellington Water is working with Wellington City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Health NZ and technical experts to regularly review this guidance. 
• Tides, rain and other weather conditions can all significantly impact the results, and changes can occur quickly. The weather conditions over the past week (no rain and absence of a strong southerly) were very favourable in terms of limiting the impact of the discharge outside the immediately affected area. 
• While Moa Point Treatment Plant continues to discharge untreated wastewater to the ocean, and there is a high probability of the short outfall being used in wet weather, the risk to public health remains high. 
• There is no evidence to suggest the discharge from Moa Point Treatment Plant is reaching the inner harbour. 
• LAWA remains the best source of information for safe swimming at beaches outside the rāhui area. 

For more information

• For general information read the FAQs
• For information on sampling results and methods
• For guidance on safe swimming, please refer to LAWA. 

Current Situation
Work is continuing at Moa Point Treatment Plant to clean the plant and minimise the impacts of odour.
Moa Point Treatment Plant is continuing to discharge screened wastewater through the long outfall pipe. This means solid items like wipes and sanitary products have been removed, but it has not gone through biological or ultraviolet treatment.

No wastewater has been discharged through the short outfall pipe since 9pm Thursday 5 February. However, it could be required at short notice if there is increased flow into the plant.

Approximately 90% of the biological material from the clarifiers and affected rooms at the plant has been cleaned out, and this work will continue today and tomorrow. Fresh water is being flushed through the biological treatment areas of the plant to reduce levels of hydrogen sulphide, which makes the interior of the plant hazardous to enter.

Odour levels may be more noticeable while the plant odour and ventilation equipment is offline and screening is working in a temporary configuration. Odour neutralising equipment is being deployed to reduce the amount of odour around the plant, and we have odour monitors measuring the impact at sites surrounding the plant.
We thank the Wellington community for their support and understanding. This is a complex and changeable situation, and we appreciate that it creates a lot of uncertainty and concern for our natural environment, which we share.

Sampling
Water sampling results have been released for Saturday 7 February, between 9:30am and 2:00pm, around the Moa Point treatment plant short outfall pipe and southern coast beaches.
These samples were taken while the tide was going out and in stable weather conditions, which impacts the results.

There was no discharge from the short outfall pipe at this time. We will continue to sample and publish results daily until further notice.

Key points:

• Results remain consistent across the weekend with localised evidence of contamination near the short outfall pipe.
• There is no evidence to suggest the discharge from Moa Point Treatment Plant is reaching the inner harbour.
• Test results are one component in assessing the overall public health risk. Expert opinions and other factors are included in consideration.
• As long as Moa Point Treatment Plant is discharging untreated wastewater into the ocean, and there is a high probability of the short outfall being used in wet weather, the risk to public health remains high.
• Public health officials continue to advise people to stay off south coast beaches, not to collect or eat shellfish / kai moana from the affected coastal waters, avoid the area around Tarakena Bay altogether, and avoid contact with sea water or spray.

For more information

• For general information read the FAQs
• For information on sampling results and methods
• For guidance on safe swimming, please refer to LAWA. 

Moa Point Treatment Plant is continuing to discharge screened wastewater through the long outfall pipe. This means solid items like wipes and sanitary products have been removed, but it has not gone through biological or ultraviolet treatment. 

No wastewater has been discharged through the short outfall pipe since 9pm Thursday 5 February. However, it could be required at short notice if there is increased flow into the plant. 

Approximately 90% of the biological material from the clarifiers and affected rooms at the plant has been cleaned out, and this work will continue today. Fresh water is being flushed through the biological treatment areas of the plant to reduce levels of hydrogen sulfide, which makes the interior of the plant hazardous to enter. 

The risk for odour continues while biological material is still present and the plant is offline. Odour neutralising equipment is being deployed to reduce the amount of odour around the plant, and we have odour monitors measuring the impact at sites surrounding the plant. 

The plant remains closed, except to a restricted number of specialist personnel. Our priority is getting the site as safe as possible for a closely managed entry to evaluate the extent of damage to the plant, test the equipment, and determine what needs to be repaired or replaced. We expect that process to start early this week.

We thank the Wellington community for their support and understanding. This is a complex and changeable situation, and we appreciate that it creates a lot of uncertainty and concern for our natural environment, which we share.

Sampling 
The following are results of water sampling taken on Saturday 7 February, between 9:30am and 2:00pm, around the Moa Point treatment plant short outfall pipe and southern coast beaches.

These samples were taken while the tide was going out and in stable weather conditions, which impacts the results.

There was no discharge from the short outfall pipe at this time. 

We will continue to sample and publish results daily until further notice.
  
Key points:

• Results remain consistent across the weekend with localised evidence of contamination adjacent the short outfall pipe 
• There is no evidence to suggest the discharge from Moa Point Treatment Plant is reaching the inner harbour.
• Test results are one component in assessing the overall public health risk. Expert opinions and other factors are included in consideration
• As long as Moa Point Treatment Plant is discharging untreated wastewater into the ocean, and there is a high probability of the short outfall being used in wet weather, the risk to public health remains high.
• Public health officials continue to advise people to stay off south coast beaches, not to collect or eat shellfish / kai moana from the affected coastal waters, avoid the area around Tarakena Bay altogether, and avoid contact with sea water or spray.

For more information

• For general information read the FAQs
• For information on sampling results and methods
• For guidance on safe swimming, please refer to LAWA. 

Moa Point Treatment Plant is continuing to discharge screened wastewater through the long outfall pipe. This means solid items like wipes and sanitary products have been removed, but it has not gone through biological or ultraviolet treatment.  

No wastewater has been discharged through the short outfall pipe since 9pm Thursday 5 February. However, it could be required at short notice if there is increased flow into the plant.  

Work has continued at the plant today to clean out biological material from the clarifiers and affected rooms. Fresh water is being flushed through the biological treatment areas of the plant to reduce levels of hydrogen sulphide, which makes the interior of the plant hazardous to enter. 

The plant remains closed, except to a restricted number of specialist personnel. Our first priority is getting the site as safe as possible for a controlled entry to evaluate the extent of damage to the plant, test the equipment, and determine what needs to be repaired or replaced. We expect that process to start early this week. 

Odour neutralising equipment is being deployed to reduce the amount of odour around the plant. We have odour monitors measuring the impact at sites surrounding the plant.
  
We thank the Wellington community for their support and understanding. This is a complex and changeable situation, and we appreciate that it creates a lot of uncertainty and concern for our natural environment, which we share. 
 
For more information

• For general information read the FAQs
• For information on sampling results and methods, go to results of water sampling   
• For guidance on safe swimming, please refer to LAWA.

The EMT will meet again tomorrow morning, and a further update will follow at approximately 11:30 am.

Moa Point Treatment Plant is continuing to discharge screened wastewater through the long outfall pipe. This means solid items like wipes and sanitary products have been removed, but it has not gone through biological or ultraviolet treatment.

No wastewater has been discharged through the short outfall pipe since 9pm Thursday 5 February. However, it could be required at short notice if there is increased flow into the plant.

Work has continued at the plant today to clean out biological material from the clarifiers and affected rooms. Fresh water is being flushed through the biological treatment areas of the plant to reduce levels of hydrogen sulphide, which makes the interior of the plant hazardous to enter.

The plant remains closed, except to a restricted number of specialist personnel. Our first priority is getting the site as safe as possible for a controlled entry to evaluate the extent of damage to the plant, test the equipment, and determine what needs to be repaired or replaced. We expect that process to start early this week.

Odour neutralising equipment is being deployed to reduce the amount of odour around the plant. We have odour monitors measuring the impact at sites surrounding the plant.

We thank the Wellington community for their support and understanding. This is a complex and changeable situation and we appreciate that it creates a lot of uncertainty and concern for our natural environment, which we share.

For more information

• For general information view  the Moa Point discharge FAQs  

• For information on sampling methods and results

• For guidance on safe swimming, please refer to LAWA

Moa Point Treatment Plant is continuing to discharge screened wastewater through the long outfall pipe. This means solid items like wipes and sanitary products have been removed, but it has not gone through biological or ultraviolet treatment.

No wastewater has been discharged through the short outfall pipe since 9pm Thursday 5 February. However, it could be required at short notice if there is increased flow into the plant.

The plant clarifiers have been drained down overnight, with most biological material being removed. There is an increased risk of odour in the vicinity of the plant, depending on weather conditions. We are proactively exploring options to minimize odour, including flushing water through the clarifiers, and using odour neutralising sprays.

We have people on the ground doing regular clean-ups of the shoreline and advising the public of the warning, including attendees at the Island Bay Festival.

We are continuing to do daily water sampling to assess impacts on the southern beaches. Those results will be released later this morning.

We are working with public health authorities to inform their guidance for south coast beaches.

For more information

• For general information view  the Moa Point discharge FAQs  

• For information on sampling methods and results

• For guidance on safe swimming, please refer to LAWA. 

Discharging of wastewater into the long outfall is continuing without any issues. The short outfall pipeline has not been used since 9pm on Thursday February 5, however, it could be required if we experience increased inflow to the plant.

Works to drain down the clarifiers are a priority and crews are working at pace and doing this as safely as possible. Odour levels may be more noticeable during these works.
Public engagement has been continuing with volunteers from Wellington Water and Wellington City Council in the community speaking with residents and businesses. This activity will be ongoing with the Island Bay Festival tomorrow.

We continue to strongly advise that people avoid the coastal area along the south coast of Wellington until further notice.
· Do not enter the water or collect kai moana from this area.
· Do not walk your dog along the beach.
· The rāhui remains in place until further notice from Ōwhiro Bay to Breaker Bay.
We acknowledge that the public are largely following official advice and warning signage and staying clear of the beach and coastline.
We are monitoring water quality from sites across the south coast and these results are being published on the Wellington Water website. You can view the latest sampling from Thursday 5 February here. Please note that these results are not representative of today’s conditions.

For more specific information about water quality at the South Coast beaches and for water recreation, please check the LAWA website.

For more information, please view the FAQs on the Moa Point discharge.

Last night, there was no wastewater discharge from the short outfall pipe. Focus remains on increasing the volume of wastewater flow through the long outfall pipe as much as possible. The long outfall pipe is 1.8km in length and 1km from the closest coastal point to the west.

Currently, there has been no reports or complaints of noticeable odour. Today, crews will continue works on the plant clarifiers. Clarifiers are large tanks used to separate biological sludge from treated wastewater. It is important to remove this material as soon as possible before it has a chance to become anaerobic and septic. This would cause an odour problem to the community and pose a significant health and safety risk to workers onsite.

However, as the clarifier works continue, there may be an increase in odour from the plant and visible plume in the ocean at the end of the outfall pipe. We will do all that we can to mitigate the impacts of odour.
The long outfall pipe is operating and the screens at the treatment plant are working. These screens remove items like sanitary pads and wet wipes from the wastewater, before it is discharged.

Once the clarifiers have been emptied, contractors will be able to safely start investigating the plant’s power systems and mechanical equipment to understand the extent of damage and determine next steps.
The rāhui is still in place and covers anything the water touches/can touch with the high or low tides. While it is in effect, no public activities should be undertaken on or around the beaches on the southern coastline.
Site cleaning is continuing, with coastal cleaning and sampling ongoing.

The following are results of water sampling taken on Thursday 5 February, between 3pm and 6pm, around the Moa Point treatment plant short outfall pipe and southern coast beaches.

These samples were taken while the short outfall was still in play, and while the tide was coming in.
• Please note that these results are a snapshot, and do not reflect current conditions. Bacterial conditions in seawater can change rapidly depending on tide, wind, rain and other factors.
• As expected, we see continuing high results from sampling areas close to the short outfall pipe, which was still discharging at the time the samples were taken.
• There is no indication from these results that untreated wastewater from Moa Point had reached the inner harbour (Eastbourne, Petone, CBD, Kilbirnie) at the time these samples were taken. We do not believe there is any need to extend the sampling area at this time.
• Ōwhiro Bay and Māhanga Bay have returned to low levels of contamination, confirming that the previous results were more likely connected with rain events.
• For guidance on beaches outside this area, please see the LAWA website: https://www.lawa.org.nz/.
• We are reporting levels of enterococcus only, as these are the most reliable indicator of recent faecal contamination and correlate best with human health risks.
• The warning for south coast beaches includes avoiding water sports such as kayaking, boating, and parasailing. Exposure to wet gear and contaminated sea spray can pose a risk to health.

Read the information on the sampling results and methods 

Teams are continuing to work throughout the weekend to increase the volume of screened wastewater through the long outfall pipe as much as possible, to reduce the use of the short outfall pipe.We need to proceed with caution. The situation is complex, and at this stage we are unable to provide a timeframe of when the long outfall pipe will transport the full volume of flow.At this stage, we are only able to pump 900 litres per second of wastewater through the long outfall pipe. This is most of the wastewater during an average day, but during peak flows throughout the day we will need to use the short outfall pipe. For this reason, our advice to the public remains the same.

We strongly advise that people avoid the coastal area along the south coast of Wellington until further notice.

- Do not enter the water or collect kaimoana from this area.

- Do not walk your dog along the beach.

- The rāhui remains in place until further notice from Ōwhiro Bay to Breaker Bay

The treatment processes at the plant remain shut down, and screened wastewater has not gone through the biological treatment process or UV disinfection. Screening removes large inorganic items like wet wipes and sanitary items from untreated wastewater.

We’ve begun to flush the primary sedimentation tanks, biological process tanks, and clarifiers, to clean out the biological material that cannot be trucked to landfill.

It is important to remove this material as soon as possible before it has a chance to become anaerobic and septic. This would cause an odour problem and pose a significant health and safety risk to workers onsite. While we drain this through the long outfall pipe, people may see an increase of murky water in the area 1.8km out to sea. We are visually monitoring this.

Divers have completed their inspection of the diffusers at the end of the outfall pipe today. These diffusers at the end of the outfall pipe help to dilute the wastewater into the sea water. Their inspection has not identified any damage.

Results for the water samples taken on Wednesday 4th February have been published on our website, available via the link in the comments.

Staff continue to engage with the community around the southern coast and will have a presence on the ground throughout the weekend.

Wellington Water has received the first round of sampling results. Please see below for key points and check our website for the full information (a link is in the comments on this post).

KEY POINTS
- These samples were taken by an independent accredited laboratory on Wednesday 4 February and do not reflect the current conditions.
- Three sampling locations returned levels of enterococcus above the guideline for safe swimming. While 15 samples returned results under the Ministry for the Environment and Ministry of Health’s threshold levels, this does not mean it is safe to swim and formal public health advice remains to keep out of the water, avoid the beach and do not collect kaimoana.
- The results from Hue Te Taka Peninsula, which is very close to the outfall, are many times over the safe limit.
- We are not able to draw any conclusions about the level of contamination or environmental impacts of the discharge from one set of samples. We will be conducting daily sampling and reviewing the results over several days to inform our response.
- Moa Point is continuing to discharge untreated wastewater. Untreated wastewater poses a high risk to public health.
Due to the ongoing discharge of untreated wastewater, avoid the coastal area along the south of Wellington until further notice.

Please do not swim, dive, fish, gather kaimoana, walk dogs or access the shoreline until further notice.
- A rāhui remains in place between Ōwhiro Bay and Breaker Bay.
- We will continue to sample around the eastern bays (Scorching Bay and Mahanga Bay) to confirm that there is no indication of the discharge impacting the inner harbour. For clarity, while there were elevated levels detected in Wednesday 4th samples from Mahanga Bay and Ōwhiro Bay, these are considered to be caused by the rainfall earlier in the week, not the discharge from Moa Point. These results may change.
- Discoloration in the inner harbour (Kilbirnie to Wellington CBD, round to Petone and Eastbourne) this week is very typical of rain and stormwater runoff being discharged by the Hutt River.
- There is a delay in reporting the results of water samples because the bacteria needs to be given 24 hours to grow in laboratory conditions so it can be counted. The results then need to be finalised to provide the most accurate data.
- Sampling results can be influenced by factors including wind, tide, and rainfall.

https://www.wellingtonwater.co.nz/about-us/news-and-media/news-and-media-2/moa-point-wastewater-treatment-plant 

Late yesterday evening, we were able to get the long outfall pipe partially operating and the screens at the treatment plant working. These screens remove items like sanitary pads and wet wipes from the wastewater, before it is discharged.

At this stage, we are only able to pump 900 litres per second of wastewater through the long outfall pipe. This is most of the wastewater during an average day, but during peak flows throughout the day we will need to use the short outfall pipe.

For this reason, our advice to the public remains the same.
- We strongly advise that people avoid the coastal area along the south of Wellington until further notice.
- Do not enter the water or collect kaimoana from this area.
- Do not walk your dog along the beach.

What difference does sending it to the long outfall pipe make?
- Discharging screened wastewater out to sea via the 1.8km long outfall pipe allows for greater dilution of the wastewater in the Cook Strait. This reduces the amount of untreated wastewater flowing around the coastline – however the risk to public health still remains.

What are we working on currently?
- We will continue to work throughout the weekend to increase the volume of flow through the long outfall pipe as much as possible, to reduce the use of the short outfall pipe. The situation is complex, and at this stage we are unable to provide a timeframe of when this may be.
- We are beginning work to drain the clarifier tanks. There is some biological material that settles in the clarifier tanks that cannot be trucked, and the plan is to drain this via the long outfall pipe, where it is diluted. It is important to remove this material as soon as possible before it has a chance to become anaerobic and septic. This would cause an odour problem and pose a significant health and safety risk to workers onsite. While we drain this through the long outfall pipe people may see an increase of murky water in the area 1.8km out to sea. We are visually monitoring this.

- Divers are inspecting diffusers at the end of the outfall pipe today.
- Shoreline inspections and clean-up of debris on the coastline around the short outfall continue three times daily, with a focus on completing these at low tide.
- Letters are being dropped to locals in the Moa Point area, advising them of the risk of odour. Staff continue to engage with the community on the ground around the southern coast.
- The rāhui is still in place and covers anything the water touches/can touch with the high or low tides. While it is in effect, no public activities should be undertaken on or around the beaches on the southern coastline.

We are expecting to publish sampling results on our website later today, and will advise when these are available.

Staff remain onsite at the impacted areas, distributing fliers and speaking with the local community. This will continue throughout the day.

Crews are working to ascertain the full impact of the flooding on the plant’s equipment and operations. This assessment will take some time, and we expect that this will be an extended outage at the plant.  

We are undertaking work to check the condition of the long outfall pipe by sending cameras down the beginning of the pipe and having divers check the end of the long outfall underwater.  

Shoreline inspections and clean-up of debris on the coastline around the short outfall continue three times daily, with a focus on completing these at low tide.  

All untreated wastewater is still being discharged through the short outfall pipe. We are working to divert as much as possible to the long outfall, as quickly as possible, and to put screening in place to remove items like sanitary pads from the wastewater being discharged. We do not have a timeframe for when this will take place at this stage. Discharging partially screened wastewater out to sea via the 1.8km long outfall pipe will allow for greater dilution of the wastewater in the Cook Strait, rather than untreated wastewater flowing around the coastline.

Even with this diversion, untreated wastewater will still need to be discharged via the short outfall. This is because the temporary arrangement can only accommodate dry weather flow.

To reduce the impact of odour and stop the process going septic, we are working to empty the clarifiers and Primary Settling Tanks. We estimate that this will continue for up to a week. During this time, we expect to see some discolouration around the coastline.

The sludge in the plant’s sludge holding tanks will be taken to Carey’s Gully as soon as possible. We estimate that this will continue for approximately a week/few days and will advise the local community as further plans are made. During this time, it is likely that there will be an increase in odour due to the plant being offline and the work taking place onsite. We will do all that we can to mitigate the impacts of odour.  

The rāhui is still in place and covers anything the water touches/can touch with the high or low tides. While it is in effect, no public activities should be undertaken on or around the beaches on the southern coastline.  

Health NZ advises the public to stay off the beach and avoid all contact with the water of the south coast.  Check our map in our pinned posts for information on affected areas.

Do not collect or eat shellfish / kai moana from the affected coastal waters.

If you have been exposed to the water and develop symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, cough, rash, irritation of the ears, nose or throat, seek medical attention and inform the healthcare provider of your possible contact with sewage. Healthline is a free over-the phone health service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 0800 611 116.

Further updates will be provided.

With power cut off at the plant and significant health and safety hazards present, it is unsafe for our teams to work onsite through the night.  

Tomorrow morning, staff will be at the areas impacted by the wastewater discharge, distributing fliers to the local community.

•  Out of an abundance of caution, the sampling area has been increased to stretch from Breaker Bay to Seatoun. While we understand the risk of wastewater reaching from Tarakena Bay around to Seatoun to be very low, we are erring on the side of caution and completing sampling at these sites every 24 hours. The rahui extends to Breaker Bay, and does not cover the area of coastline through to Seatoun. However, we note LAWAs existing advice following the recent heavy rain. LAWA advises to not swim for 2-3 days following heavy rain.
• This will be the final update for this evening. We’ll provide a brief update tomorrow morning, and a more fulsome update will be provided following tomorrow morning’s emergency management meeting at approximately 11:30am.

Editor notes

Wellington Water is owned and fully funded by Wellington City Council, Hutt City Council, Porirua City Council, and Upper Hutt City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council and South Wairarapa District Council. All six councils are equal shareholders.

Our councils own the water infrastructure in the region, and they task us to manage the infrastructure and deliver water services to our communities.

Wellington Water is governed by a Board of Directors. The Board and our organisation receive overall leadership and direction from the Wellington Water Committee, which are also responsible for appointing members to the Board.

The Wellington Water Committee is made up of representatives from our council owners and mana whenua.

Media Enquiries

Email address:  Media@wellingtonwater.co.nz

Phone number: 021 302 259