The Waikato Regional Council has issued a warning for people to consider the bright orange color in the Ohinemuri River as a sign of possible contamination. This discolouration was first noticed around 3 pm on Friday, appearing downstream from the Waitawheta River.
Robert Isaac, a senior incident response officer, explained that one of the potential causes of the discolouration could be a mine shaft collapse. Such an event could release heavy metals and other contaminants into the water. Isaac emphasized that until the exact source is identified, the situation should be treated as a worst-case scenario, especially since there have been reports of people standing in the affected water. If it is indeed a collapsed mine shaft, contact with the water could be hazardous.
Other potential causes for the river turning orange might include a collapsed forestry dam or erosion, which could also release sediment or contaminants into the water.
The council has sent staff to the river to investigate and assess the situation further.
For your own safety, possible reasons for discolouration:
Mine Shaft Collapse: Old mines can release heavy metals and contaminants if they collapse.
Forestry Dam Collapse: If a dam in a forestry area has collapsed, it could release sediment and other materials into the river.
Erosion: Natural erosion processes could cause soil and minerals to enter the water, changing its color.
Until more information is available, the council advises against using or coming into contact with the river water.
