A Waikato stream has been left green and contaminated after effluent appears to have been illegally dumped into it, and the team who uncovered it say they are appalled.
The Waikato Regional Council is investigating the circumstances of what led the stream to be filled with effluent and believe one of the discharges appeared to be ongoing and deliberate.
A pipe was in place which allegedly discharged the effluent to the stream.
Waikato Regional Council investigations manager Patrick Lynch said it was extremely concerning and that he was grateful to the member of the council who tipped them off.
![A sample is taken at the point where the pipe joins the stream. Photo / WRC, YouTube](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/VGXHQSOYQA5EU5FWJAHNDD73KA.jpg?auth=f4c9b6d3d20da52851b209b15f5095d5e1ab1d2be2fbea100e7accfb1175405a&width=16&height=10&quality=70&smart=true)