Sewage is spilling into the River Derwent after a waste treatment plant in Hobart’s northern suburbs “failed”.
The contamination incident near Berridale prompted a late-night public health warning from the Department of Health just after 10pm on Thursday.
Public Health Director Dr Mark Veitch is urging people to avoid becoming ‘fully immersed’ in the river through activities like swimming.
He said people should stay out of the 20km stretch of water from Austins Ferry and Old Beach in the north to Sandy Bay and Howrah in the south.
“Sewage in water used for recreational activities like swimming poses a risk to health from viruses and bacteria,” Veitch said.
“These risks can include gastroenteritis (diarrhoea or vomiting) and infections of the skin, ears or eyes.”
The “deliberately cautious” warning will remain in place until water testing confirms the safety of swimming sites.
The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and TasWater are managing the incident.
