Lake Horowhenua in New Zealand became severely polluted between 1952 and 1987 when treated sewage from the nearby city of Levin was dumped into it. The water is now toxic enough to kill a child and swimming is prohibited. Ownership rights over the polluted lake are being disputed in the Supreme Court as the lakebed was long used as a waste pit without oversight from the government or local authorities, and high pollution levels pouring into the lake will continue for at least another year.

1. Lake Horowhenua
When did it get so dirty?
Between 1952 and 1987 treated sewage from Levin was dumped into the
lake.
How polluted is lake horowhenua?
The water In lake horowhenua is toxic enough to kill a child.
Are you allowed to swim in the lake water?
No it is far too polluted.
The lakebed, Lake Horowhenua long forgotten by Govt,
Council, Farmers and all concerned as a waste pit for
sewerage and runoff has now gone to the Supreme
Copurt facing 5 Judges - its over our ownership
rights.. Crown Law was adamant that the Lake Domain
Board has control over this Lake Horowhenua which is
wrong and therefore is in peaceable possession of
Lake Horowhenua.
The water that is pouring into Lake Horowhenua and causing
high pollution levels will continue unchecked until next year,
which some experts say is too long to wait.
By Josh, Elias , Thijs