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Anna Fifield / Things
Wellington’s popular Island Bay beach remains closed after a sewage overflow.
Wellington’s popular Island Bay Beach will be closed until at least Sunday following a sewage overflow that was discharged into the bay.
The beach was closed to recreational users Friday night following the overflow, caused by a blockage in a sewage main.
Subsequently, the sewage had overflowed into a storm sewer below Mersey St. The blockage had since been cleared.
Rosa Woods / Stuff
Wellington Water says the beach will be closed until at least Sunday. (File photo)
Wellington Water spokeswoman Anna Hughes said water samples were collected for testing on Saturday morning and the results will be released on Sunday.
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MONIQUE FORD / THINGS
A burst pipe on Majoribanks St, Mt Victoria, Wellington, spews water into the air after a contractor cut a pipe.
It was then up to the Greater Wellington Regional Council to make a decision on whether the beach could be reopened.
Signs had been posted on the beach warning people that the area had recently been contaminated and that it was not safe to swim or eat fish or shellfish from the beach.
Wellington’s city council said on Twitter on Friday that the lockdown was likely the result of a fatberg, which is caused by lumps of frozen fats, oils and food waste being washed down the sink.
“These monstrosities don’t like more than hanging out until they’re big enough to burst through pipes, causing sewage overflows that can pollute your home, the environment, or ruin important infrastructure.” He said.
The council would advise the public when the beach is safe to use, he said.
