By RNZ
Eleven Auckland beaches have been given black flag alerts as heavy rain causes overflows on the sewage system.
The beaches are mainly the inner city beaches of Coxs Bay, Herne Bay, St Marys Bay, Okahu Bay, Mission Bay, St Heliers and Point England, as well as Taipari Strand and Chapman Strand near Te Atatu.
The warning indicates a “very high risk” due to bad water quality and the alerts appear to be in place until Sunday morning.
“Wastewater overflows occur when wastewater (sewage) spills out from gully traps, manholes, engineered overflow points or pump stations. It then flows into back yards or waterways and the sea,” Safeswim’s website said.
