TV1 interview Martin Neale water scientist from Auckland Council

Following a Herald article by Wayne Thompson, the media descended on Piha to highlight the water quality problems at Piha lagoon.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11381873

Successive testing over the last recent years has shown faecal contamination of Piha lagoon, a popular swimming place for families and children who see it as safe compared the boisterous surf beach.

Recent testing has shown that the source of the contamination is human faeces, coming from malfunctioning septic tanks in the catchment.

The water quality team at Auckland Council has contracted Ecomatters Trust to go house to house, talking to people about septic tank problems and offering a free assessment of the home owner’s tank. The Waitakere Ranges Local Board has also a $50,000 fund for incentives to support home owners who need to repair or replace their septic tanks.

TV1, TV3 and Maori Television are following up on the story in the news on 5 January.

Damon Birchfield of Ecomatters Trust will be speaking at the Piha Ratepayers and Residents AGM on 11 January, explaining the programme.