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Untreated, unscreened wastewater has been discharged into Tarakena Bay. Check LAWA.org.nz before visiting beaches.

Due to heavy rainfall, the short outfall has discharged untreated, unscreened wastewater into Tarakena Bay between 11.59 am and 12:38 pm on 8 July 2026. This discharge is currently ongoing and will likely be travelling around the coastline. 

Check LAWA before visiting beaches along the south coast.  

Public health information can be found on Health NZ's website! 

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Wellington City Councils property search function is offline for the next 2 to 3 weeks following the end of the last rating year. For rates and valuation information please contact the council via 04 499 444 or emailing rates@wcc.govt.nz
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Water Networks / The Network / Wastewater / Environmental Monitoring

Environmental monitoring

Wastewater routine and event-based monitoring

As part of the operational consents for our Wastewater Treatment Plants we undertake routine water quality sampling to ensure treated wastewater is safe for the public and the environment. As part of this, we monitor faecal indicator bacteria, including E. coli in freshwater environments and Enterococci in coastal and marine waters.  

Additional water quality parameters are also monitored to provide a broader understanding of overall water condition and to identify any emerging risks or trends. 

Routine monitoring results, along with sampling taken following wastewater discharges are displayed on the interactive map for public access. All data shown can also be downloaded in CSV format for further analysis and transparency.

Stormwater network routine monitoring

The stormwater network and associated receiving environments are monitored on a scheduled monthly basis to assess any potential influence from the wastewater network arising from acute or chronic faults. This monitoring programme was established under the global stormwater consent issued by Greater Wellington Regional Council.

This consent is independent of the Greater Wellington Regional Council recreational water quality monitoring.  For information or guidance on safe swimming and recreational water quality, please refer to Land, Air, Water Aotearoa (LAWA). Monitoring data that informs the recreational beach programme is available via the GWRC Environmental Data Dashboard.