A sewage leak in Wellington has prompted a public health warning for coastal swimmers.
Wellington Water confirmed that partially treated wastewater entered the ocean following a mechanical failure at the Seaview treatment plant, which occurred around 6pm on Saturday. The discharge has since been stopped, and one UV channel has been returned to operation.
Before being released, the effluent had undergone screening and biological treatment, with partial disinfection also completed. Wellington Water said the risk to public health is minimal, though people should check LAWA before swimming.
Coastal water sampling is currently under way, and warning signs have been placed in the area. An investigation into what went wrong is ongoing.
