Wastewater overflow - Inangahua River: 23-24 March 2026

Screened wastewater overflowed from the Reefton Wastewater Treatment Plant between 9:46 pm last night and 7:40 am this morning when inspection identified a fault. 

The overflow was the result of a power supply fault at the site, which has been corrected.

Recreational users are advised that there is a heightened risk of exposure to wastewater pathogens in the Inangahua River area and to avoid water-based activities on the Inangahua River downstream of the confluence of Cemetery Creek and the Inangahua River (see location marked on image below), to the confluence with the Buller River until further notice.

It is expected that a notification of normal use will be made once river sampling results are received from secondary testing.

Note: 
The Reefton Wastewater Treatment Plant discharges screened wastewater at this location during wet weather events, the discharge point is signposted.

Under our resource consent with the West Coast Regional Council, a sample is required five days after a malfunction-related overflow. 

Sample results from the testing will be posted here 

Investigations into the faults root causes are ongoing.

Buller District Council apologises for this incident.