A health warning sign in place in Welcome Bay is expected to be removed this week after water quality testing.

On July 10, a wastewater overflow in Hammond St entered the stormwater network and the Welcome Bay estuary, Tauranga City Council said.

Drainage services manager Radleigh Cairns said the overflow was a result of a blockage made up of “rags” and fat.

He said the blockage was cleared, the surrounding area cleaned and warning signage placed in the affected area.

“Tauranga City Council follows the Regional Best Practice Guide for Managing Wastewater Overflows, which requires signage to be displayed and follow-up water quality testing and reporting to the Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

“Water quality testing can be delayed by rain events, as water quality reduces due to runoff from upstream catchments, meaning any remaining impact from the overflow cannot be assessed - which is the case in this instance.”

Cairns said final testing was due to be carried out this week and the council expected signage to be removed after those results.

“This is the first instance of an overflow impacting the Welcome Bay estuary this year. However, blockages in the wastewater network are a regular issue that our staff and contractors manage.

“Many of these blockages are preventable. As a community, we can help by reducing the amount of fats, oils, and grease we pour down the sink and by only flushing the 3Ps: pee, poo, and (toilet) paper.”