Disinfect your water

Staff from the Tararua District Council, were joined by mayor Roly Ellis and chief executive Blair King at the intersection of Adelaide Rd and Cole St, yesterday afternoon, as the town's water crisis trickled on. Photo / Christine McKay

Dannevirke residents are being warned to disinfect their water or use the tanker supply being provided by the Tararua District Council as the water crisis deepens.

Tanker water is available on King St, outside the Dannevirke High School, from 8am to 9pm today.

The reticulation network is currently re-pressurising by drawing water directly from the Tamaki River to supplement slow water flows from the impounded water supply and the number two reservoir on Adelaide Rd.

"Both reservoirs have sufficient water, however we believe there is an air-lock or small valve fault which is preventing the passage of water on Cole St, which is also affecting the following street, Fraser-Collins, Guy, King, Ranfurly, Ruahine and Wright streets," Dave Watson, the council's utilities manager, said.

Meanwhile, the MidCentral Public Health Service is working with the council and has recommended that, until notified, residents are advised to disinfect water or use tankered water for drinking, making ice, food preparation, brushing teeth and preparing toddler formula.

"We'd like to thank all residents for their patience and their continued efforts to conserve water," Mr Watson said.

The council's chief executive, Blair King, said the Dannevirke and Norsewood Volunteer Fire Brigades had helped with carting water to the Alliance Freezing Works to allow it to process more than 1000 head of stock yesterday.

"The brigades and staff at Scanpower's Oringi site have provided resources to help us deal with this crisis," Mr King said.