Water quality testing along the Hutt river will continue for at least 72 hours. Photo: RNZ / Emma Hatton
Wellington Water crews have stopped a wastewater overflow into the Hutt River/Te Awa Kairangi near Silverstream.
But residents are being asked to avoid the river downstream of Silverstream, including the river mouth and beach at Petone, until further notice.
"We take all wastewater incidents very seriously, and are diverting all required resources to complete the full repair urgently," Wellington Water said in a statement.
People should not swim, fish or collect food, and residents of Upper Hutt and Stokes Valley should reduce their water use where possible.
Water quality testing along the river will continue for at least 72 hours, or until results return clear.
While the repair is underway, signs have been placed at the location of the wastewater blockage, down the river and at the river mouth, at all entry points, popular fishing sites and recreation sites.
Live updates are available on social media.
"We've advised councils and mana whenua iwi and are working to provide a full brief on the situation.
"Public health and environmental monitoring agencies are also being kept up to speed on the issue."
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