New Zealand

Overflow may have contaminated popular Napier swimming spot

06:37 am on 6 February 2021

An industrial overflow may have contaminated a popular swimming spot in Napier, and people are being warned to avoid it.

Pandora Pond Photo: Supplied / Napier City council

City council staff discovered contaminated water on the street yesterday, caused by a blockage at a wastewater pump station beside Pandora Pond.

The council says the water comes from industries such as tanneries and meat-processing plants.

The council has asked swimmers to keep away from Pandora Pond until Sunday afternoon at the earliest, in case the water has contaminated the pond.

Council staff are not sure what caused the blockage but are investigating.

People in Napier have also been urged to stay out of the Ahuriri Estuary after 1000 litres of hydochloric acid spilled onto a nearby street yesterday.