Raw sewage flow into Wellington harbour prompts warning from water management

Monday, 5 August 2019

Effluent is being pushed out of stormwater pipes located under the Fox Glove restaurant on Queen's Wharf.

Raw sewage flowed into Wellington Harbour until contractors were able to clear a blocked wastewater pipe.

The effluent was being pushed out of stormwater pipes located under Foxglove restaurant on Queen's Wharf on Monday afternoon to avoid overflows onto streets and inside people's homes.

Wellington Water spokesman Alex van Paassen said the effluent flow into stormwater pipes that feed into the Harbour was a result of a wastewater pipe blockage on Featherston St.

Contractors hoped to have the blockage, suspected to be made up of grease and wipes, cleared before the end of the day. The issue was resolved just after 5pm.

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The diverted wastewater that goes into the Harbour was not ideal, but it was better than having raw sewage flow onto the capital's streets.

Paassen said blockages had become a frequent occurrence in the capital and both business operators and residents needed to be mindful of how their wastewater directly impacted the local environment.

'It's important that we treat the wastewater system with respect. It's a direct connection with the environment.'

He reminded business operators, particularly those making food to ensure they had grease traps and asked residents to ensure only the three 'Ps' made their way down the wastewater system – 'poo, pee and [toilet] paper'.

Water quality testing will be carried out in the Harbour following the spill and notices will be erected until tests come back to a safe level for swimming.