Boil water notice still in place despite clear E.Coli tests

Waimarama residents are being advised to boil water. PHOTO/FILE

Despite preliminary results from six sites across the Waimarama reticulation have come back clear for e-Coli, however the Boil Water Notice remains in force.

Results from some tests of the Waimarama water supply were received this afternoon, with further tests results expected over coming days.

The Boil Water Notice was put in place yesterday, after test results were received that showed very low levels of E-Coli. It will continue until further notice, Hastings District Council asset manager Craig Thew said.

"We need to understand what led to the e-Coli positive tests and until we do so a very conservative approach must stay in place. We are progressing with site investigations, data analysis and testing," he said.

"That work will continue and we will not change the status until we are completely sure the water is safe to drink."

Any change in status will also have to be approved by Hawke's Bay District Health Board's population health team.

This morning's results are the first since those received yesterday which showed low levels of E-Coli, triggering the introduction of chlorine and a Boil Water Notice for people taking water from the Waimarama town supply.

They registered a '1' and a '2'. A result of '10' is considered high.

Work overnight focused on flushing chlorine through the system and drawing off water for further testing. Staff have run a tap outside at each house until chlorine is detected.

Hawke's Bay District Health Board has so far had no reports of illness related to the Waimarama water supply.

Hastings District Council has distributed water to water users who supply the public and sites where large groups of people are staying, including the marae.

Public drinking taps have been turned off and taps in public toilets signposted as 'For hand washing only; Please do not drink'.

Residents in Waimarama are advised they need to use boiled tap water or store-bought bottled water for drinking, cleaning teeth, making ice, washing dishes and preparing food until further notice.

Boiling water will kill all disease-causing organisms. This boil water notice applies to all residents using the town water supplies in the township of Waimarama.

The supply is also being chlorinated but it is important that the water used for drinking cleaning teeth, making ice, washing dishes and preparing food is brought to a rolling boil before using.

Residents are advised to place the water in a clean metal pan and bring to a rolling boil for one minute.

Electric jugs with a cut-off switch can be used as long as they are full - allow the water to come to the boil and switch off. Do not hold the switch down to increase the boiling time. Boiling water should be covered and allowed to cool in the same container. The taste will improve if allowed to stand for a few hours before use.

Residents are requested to share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in holiday homes, schools, and businesses).

You can do this by talking to your neighbours, posting this notice in a public place, or distributing copies by hand.

- Updates to this notice will be provided via media, the HDC web page: http://www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/ and via Hastings District Council's Facebook page.

-Alternatively phone Hastings District Council on 06 871 5000. Updates will be provided on the website.