Toi Te Ora Public Health Service medical officer of health Dr Phil Shoemack has issued a health warning for the Ngongotaha Stream, at the railway bridge.

Railway bridge over Ngongotaha Stream. Photo: Supplied.

The water can cause a number of illnesses such gastroenteritis, diarrhoea and vomiting and the public are being asked to avoid swimming in the stream and/or drinking the water.

The warning was issued following confirmation of elevated levels of bacterial contamination in the stream.

Certain conditions inherently increase the risk of getting sick and/or contracting infections in the course of water-based recreational activities. It is recommended people avoid swimming in streams for 48 hours after heavy rainfall events.

Reduce your risk by:

• Avoid areas where stormwater outlets discharge into watercourses/streams.
• Avoiding areas with high runoff from intensive agriculture.
• Not swimming in streams during and for up to 48hours [2 days] following heavy or prolonged rainfall.