Wellington beach closed due to pollution

A popular Wellington beach has been closed after possible sewage contamination.

Water-quality monitoring this week at Owhiro Bay beach found the presence of enterococci at a level likely to cause a health hazard, Wellington City Council said.

It was the second time in two weeks that contamination levels at the beach had exceeded safe standards.

The council urged people to stay clear of the water in the area until further notice.

Ingesting the contaminated water could cause diarrhoea, stomach cramps and vomiting, along with infection to cuts and skin lesions.

Council infrastructure director Stavros Michael said the source of the contamination was not obvious.

Council staff were checking sewer and water mains.

- NZPA