Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora unit has lifted its health warning at Te Umu Kaha – Temuka River at SH1.

Latest water testing results show faecal bacteria levels in Te Umu Kaha River – Temuka River at SH1 are now below guideline values and the health warning issued on 6 March 2025 has been removed with the water Te Umu Kaha River – Temuka River at SH1 suitable for recreational use.

“This is great news for swimmers and other recreational water users in Te Umu Kaha River – Temuka River at SH1 who would have been avoiding the water following the high levels of contamination”, Dr Claire Salter, Public Health Medicine Specialist for the National Public Health Service says.

When a health warning is in place, water quality at affected sites is not considered suitable for recreational uses including swimming because of the risk to health from the bacteria and other pathogens.

Water contaminated by human or animal faecal matter may contain a range of disease-causing micro-organisms such as viruses, bacteria and protozoa. For further details visit Land Air Water Aotearoa.

Canterbury region — Land Air Water Aotearoa (external link)

Or contact Te Mana Ora | Community and Public Health on 03 364 1777 

Recreational water — Te Mana Ora (external link)

More information about Mahinga Kai: 

Public health and mahinga kai gathered from water — Te Mana Ora (external link)