Eight million litres of contaminated water from SkyCity fire being pumped into wastewater system

Eight million litres of contaminated water is being pumped from the basement of the SkyCity International Convention Centre into Auckland's wastewater network.

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It’s likely a waterproofing substance called bitumen is making the blaze so hard to put out. Source: 1 NEWS

Watercare has confirmed to Auckland Council that the water will be released into the wastewater network at a rate of 25 litres per second.

Watercare crew will be in the area monitoring manholes to ensure there are no problems arising from the operation.

Water samples have been tested and Watercare say they're confident that this discharge will not affect the safe operation of the network.

Earlier the water was being pumped into the viaduct harbour near Beaumont St.

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SkyCity and Fletcher’s are feeling the pain and the impact is likely to be felt wider than Auckland. Source: 1 NEWS

For now a water hazard alert has been issued for St Mary's Bay warning the public of "reports of hazardous substances released into bay."

Now the convention centre fire is contained, Fire and Emergency NZ hope to reduce the cordons around the SkyCity precinct and SkyCity has reopened the casino.