Hawke's Bay councils have agreed to work together to find an immediate short-term solution as wastewater pours on the Wairoa River flats.
Hawke's Bay Regional Council chief executive James Palmer and Wairoa District Council chief executive Steve May met on Wednesday afternoon to discuss how to fix the problem.
Palmer said the discharge, caused by failed Wairoa District Council infrastructure, is not satisfactory and the ongoing failures of the system are a cause of frustration for the Regional Council and the community.
"The Regional Council has been monitoring the situation closely and is currently considering what enforcement action is appropriate and seeking further scientific evidence before making a decision," Palmer said.
"Wairoa's wastewater issues are similar to those of smaller communities throughout NZ.