Editorial: Chlorine more than bad taste

A chlorine-free Napier is one of the country's last heroic individuals, writes Mark Story.

One can't help but view the chlorination (again) of Napier's water as a bellwether measure.

Unsure why the bacteria levels surfaced, Napier City Council yesterday inoculated its drinking supply. It's a prudent short-term step. No one of right mind would argue the pitfalls of disinfection equal the risks of infection.

But the question is how often will the need arise to be so reactive? Killing bugs is one thing - finding the source is infinitely more complex. Just ask a still-struggling Lower Hutt.

Thorny science, fear, economics and the spectre of a hapless Havelock North repeat will ensure Napier will, probably, soon permanently deliver water with the same chemical makeup as its twin city.

But I reckon let's not settle. Indefinite chlorination is tantamount to an insidious neutering of a primary-producing province.

This region rolls on a premium "paddock to plate" pitch. We're proud of provenance and we're quick to boast our exports' appellation.

Without this, we're simply tanned Palmerston North folk with the same metallic aftertaste.

On Tuesday council's manager asset strategy, Chris Dolley, was quick to reiterate that most of the country was already drinking chlorinated water.

Here's hoping he, and council, see that as a reason not to follow suit - rather than a basis to push permanent bleaching.

Our untreated water's artesian journey is a powerful point of difference. And thus, Napier remains one of the country's last heroic individuals.

As a neighbour told me last week, "it's why we live here".

We drink straight from the source because we can. Let's shore that up.