From 1 October to May 2026, Wellington Water is working to upgrade the Moa Point Wastewater Treatment Plant with the replacement of the plant’s ultraviolet (UV) disinfection system.
While the UV equipment is being replaced, the Moa Point Wastewater Treatment Plant is operating at reduced capacity. When it's raining, wastewater volumes are higher than usual, and some wastewater may bypass the full treatment, resulting in a discharge of partially treated wastewater via the long outfall pipe, 1.8km offshore. Any discharges in this location, will be heavily diluted due to significant tidal flows.
As always, it is best practice to avoid swimming for at least 48 hours after rainfall. However, due to potential discharges of partially treated wastewater on rainy days, we advise people take extra care if recreating (swimming) in this area after rainfall.
Water quality sampling will be undertaken following rain and plant discharges.
You can read more about the plant upgrades on Wellington Water's website here