Avon River a health hazard

Photo / Sarah Ivey

Christchurch's Avon river has been labelled a health hazard, as authorities record dangerously high levels of E Coli.

E Coli readings should be under 270, but in some areas along the river, results show a count of 4500 - 17 times higher than normal.

Health authorities are warning that the public should steer clear of the river.

"For recreational users it is not a good time to be on the water at the moment. We have occasionally had cases of people getting very sick, being in contact with the water now is the best time to stay away," medical health officer Dr Alistair Humphrey told 3 News.

The high reading is being blamed on human sewage entering the river from a pump station that was damaged in last month's devastating earthquake.

"We know that it is human sewerage and that is the difference, we know that it is coming from humans, and therefore there could be viruses and other nasties attached to it," Environment Canterbury's Tim Davie told 3 News.

- NZ Herald staff