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Short discharge of partially treated wastewater during heavy rainfall

News
PUBLISHED: 29 JAN 2024

Intense rainfall yesterday afternoon caused a short overflow of partially treated wastewater at the New Plymouth Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The 10-minute discharge to the Tasman Sea via the marine outfall occurred when the wastewater inflow exceeded the plant’s capacity, resulting in some of the wastewater bypassing the full biological treatment process. The overflow was still screen and disinfected before being discharged.

As there is the potential to affect public health, warning signs against swimming (for 48 hours) have been put up at Fitzroy and East End Beaches. Signs warning against collecting kai have also been erected.

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.

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