Why issue a boil water notice?
A boil water notice is a precautionary notice used to safeguard health when the water supply may have been compromised. You may be asked to boil your water:
- if tests show that harmful microorganisms could be present in the water;
- at times of high turbidity in the source water (dirty water);
- if the water pressure drops due to equipment failure or power outages;
- because of a break in or repairs on a water main;
- if the water source has been flooded or there is a significant inflow of stormwater;
- during situations that warrant special action to protect consumers' health.
What to do when a boil water notice is issued in your area?
We understand that a boil water notice is inconvenient however, protecting our residents from health risks is our priority.
When a boil water notice is issued, affected people should continue to boil their water (for at least one minute) until advised the water is safe again.
The boil water notice process:
- When contamination occurs in our reticulated network, we first issue a boil water notice to the affected residents via different channels:
- E-text and email sent to all affected ratepayers (who have registered their contact details with us)
- Notification of the notice to Taumata Arowai (the drinking water regulator), elected members, etc.
- A detailed investigation of network is carried out to identify the source of contamination and manage the issue.
- Daily water sampling continues until we confirm three clear sample results, when free of chlorine disinfection.
- Once a Boil Water Notice can be lifted, we follow the same steps as outlined in number 1- above to inform the community
How do I ensure the water is fit to drink?
When a boil water notice is in place, Hurunui District Council advises that people should boil or treat all water from taps before drinking, brushing teeth or using it in food preparation. In addition, water used to make ice should also be boiled before freezing.
- Bringing water to the boil is sufficient to kill all bugs (water does not require prolonged boiling). Water needs to be boiled even if the smell or taste of chlorine is present. If you cannot boil water, treat it by adding 5
drops of plain, unscented household bleach (3-4% strength) per 1L of water and
leave for 30 minutes
- During boil water notices, employers should also make sure their staff are only consuming boiled or bottled water at work.
You will need to continue to boil your water until you are notified that the boil water notice is lifted. It is likely to be in place for several days. If you or your family show any symptoms of sickness please visit your doctor as soon as you are able to.
The council will continue to monitor the source treatment plant and reticulation system and keep residents informed of any updates.
