Authorities are warning people to stay out of the water at a Kaiteriteri beach where a high level of enterococci and faecal bacteria was discovered this week.
People should not swim, paddle or take kaimoana at Stephens Bay Lagoon until further notice, a statement from the Tasman District Council said.
"The bacterial count is above acceptable levels and could cause some people to become ill."
The warning was particularly aimed at the northern end of the bay.
"Results from samples taken immediately south of where boats were launched showed that these activities are safe at this point and likely to be from the south of here. As a precaution we suggest not swimming etc at between the boat launching area and the far north end of Stephens Bay."
The council said the contamination was found in a sample taken very close to high tide at 8.55am on Monday, as part of routine monitoring.
"A thorough check of our wastewater network at Stephens Bay hasn't been able to pinpoint the source of the contamination at this stage."
However, the contamination is isolated to a very small area and the enterococci concentrations at the beach nearby have been consistently low. Therefore, the council was confident that this was not a widespread issue.
Further water sampling will be undertaken in the coming days.
Anyone concerned about their health or feeling unwell, should contact Healthline for advice 0800 611 116, or seek medical attention immediately.
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