Valves closed, advice is to not swim or fish

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Gisborne District Council has confirmed the last emergency sewer valve was closed at 5.30pm on Monday and all sewage discharge into the city rivers has stopped.

“For the next five days we advise no swimming, fishing or gathering shellfish in rivers and beaches from the time valves were closed, and until warning signs are removed,” senior wastewater engineer Phillip Dodds said.

“The discharge to wai was to prevent sewage from overflowing back into people’s homes and properties in the city, and on to roads, causing a significant health risk.

“Unfortunately this results in health risks in the rivers, beaches and nearby coastal areas, which is why we advise against swimming, fishing or gathering shellfish in rivers and beaches over this time.

“Because of surface flooding a large amount of stormwater is getting into the wastewater system.

“Our DrainWise team are identifying issues, inspecting properties and working with homeowners to fix stormwater and wastewater drainage to reduce the risk of discharges happening in the future.”