Blockage causes sewage overflow into Magnolia Drive wetland

News Local
PUBLISHED: 5 FEB 2024

An overflow of sewage on Whakawhiti Street in New Plymouth discharged into a wetland off Magnolia Drive.

A blockage caused by fat and rags was the cause of the overflow, which was fixed shortly after 6pm on Saturday. NPDC staff have cleaned and sanitised the site.

As there is the potential to affect public health, warning signs against swimming and collecting kai have been put up at affected water bodies.

We’re sorry this has occurred, and we’ve been in touch with iwi and hapū, Taranaki Regional Council, the Taranaki District Health Board and other recreational users.

Keep up with the latest information on the Can I Swim page on our website.

Residents can help prevent sewer blockages by putting fats and grease into their food scraps bin rather than rinsing them down the kitchen sink, and flushing only pee, poo and paper down the toilet.

We are investing $248m over 10 years to fix the district’s plumbing.