Arsenic still present in Ohinemuri river

Scientists at Waikato Regional Council have been working around the clock carrying out tests after arsenic was found in the Ohinemuri river. The river turned a bright orange colour after it was contaminated by sediment which was discharged from a historic mine shaft in the Karangahake Gorge last week. Today's test results revealed there was no mercury or cyanide found in the water. But arsenic is still present and Waikato Regional Council Compliance Manager Patrick Lynch told Susana Lei'taua, people should treat the orange water as contaminated and not touch it.