Source: Radio New Zealand
The town supply for Paihia, Ōpua and Waitangi comes from a treatment plant drawing water from the Waitangi River, just upstream of Haruru Falls. RNZ/ Peter de Graaf
People in three Far North towns – including the summer holiday hotspot of Paihia – have been warned to boil their tap water before drinking or cooking with it.
The boil-water notice was issued at 2pm on Thursday after tests showed the presence of E coli bacteria in the water.
It applies to all households and businesses in Paihia, Ōpua and Waitangi connected to the town supply.
A council spokesman said the test results indicated “a very low risk” to public health, but that could not be confirmed until further testing was completed on Friday morning.
The boil water notice includes the Bay of Islands holiday hotspot of Paihia. RNZ / Peter de Graaf
Water used for drinking, ice, food preparation, oral hygiene and pets should be boiled for at least one minute.
Residents in the affected area should not rely on water filters alone, he said.
Anyone who developed gastroenteritis (“tummy bug”) symptoms should seek advice from a medical practitioner.
The spokesman said a reservoir at Te Haumi, just south of Paihia, had been isolated to prevent any risk of wider contamination while the investigation and water testing continued.
Taumata Arowai, the national water services regulator, had been notified.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
