People urged to avoid Heathcote River after large number of dead fish found

An unknown contaminant is thought to have killed a “large number” of fish in Christchurch’s Heathcote/Ōpāwaho River.

In a statement, Environment Canterbury (ECan) said the deaths were discovered on Thursday.

The regional council urged people to stay away from the river in the area of Connal St, Cumnor Tce, Long St, and Garlands Rd.

People should not swim, kayak or come in contact with the water while ECan and the Christchurch City Council investigate what caused the mass deaths, the statement said.

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“We suspect their deaths were caused by a discharge incident but don’t yet know the source of the discharge.”

Dogs should also be kept away from the river, and fish from the area should not be eaten, ECan urged.

The council did not say how many fish were found dead, just that it was a “large number”.

Anyone with information about the incident was asked to call ECan on 0800 765 588.