Untreated, unscreened wastewater is being discharged into Tarakena Bay. Check LAWA.org.nz before visiting beaches.
Untreated, unscreened wastewater is being discharged into Tarakena Bay. Check LAWA.org.nz before visiting beaches.

Due to heavy rainfall in the catchment area starting at 08:12 25/06/2026, the short outfall pipe is discharging untreated wastewater into Tarakena Bay. It is likely to be travelling around the coastline.

Signs are in place along the coastline to alert water users of areas which may be impacted by this event. Water quality samples will be collected from coastal locations once improved weather conditions allow. The latest water sampling results are published here.

Please, check LAWA.org.nz before visiting beaches along the south coast. LAWA recommend avoiding swimming for 48 hours following heavy rain, regardless of the recent monitoring result or long-term grade.
Faq / Presence Of Asbestos Fibres In Our Water Pipe Network

Presence of asbestos fibres in our water pipe network

Asbestos cement (AC) was used extensively within the pipe network following the Second World War, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s.  Asbestos cement pipes were an integral part of infrastructure investment in New Zealand until 1986, when manufacture and installation of AC pipes ceased.  AC water pipes are common, not only throughout New Zealand, but across the world.  The pipes are gradually being phased out, as we replace older pipes as part of our ongoing renewal and replacement project work.

Asbestos cement pipelines deteriorate over time, and asbestos fibres can be released into the water supply as the pipelines age.  This occurs over a long period of time.  We monitor and carefully control the Ph and alkalinity levels in the water at our treatment plants to minimise the impact of decay and internal corrosion on the pipe network.

 

Health Risk?

Wellington Water refers to the World Health Organisation's health advice and research. on the health risk associated with asbestos fibres in water pipe networks and drinking water.

Taumata Arowai - the water services regulator for Aotearoa - have not included asbestos on the list of determinants to measure as part of the Drinking Water Standards coming into force on the 1 July 2022.  

 

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