Christchurch water now chlorine-free

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Good news Christchurch, your pure clean water is back on tap.

Chlorine was added to the city's water supply following the February 22 earthquake to address contamination issues caused by damage to underground water and sewer systems.

Council city water and waste manager Mark Christison said Christchurch residents can rest easy with the knowledge that their drinking water is now free from chlorine and remains safe to drink.

"The majority of water supplies in New Zealand have chlorine in them on a permanent basis. We are lucky here in Christchurch that our standard water quality levels are so high that chlorine is not normally required," he said

Mr Christison said chlorine will continue to be used periodically as part of normal maintenance and plant commissioning operations as required to protect the safety of the water supply.

Mayor Bob Parker said the removal of chlorine from the water is welcome relief for residents.

"Regaining the quality of our water is a major step forward in the recovery," he said. "Chlorination of the water was necessary in February to ensure it was safe for our residents to drink, but I think we all agree that it is wonderful to have the chlorine removed and our pure tap water returned."

Water restrictions remain in place and residents are urged to conserve water to ensure earthquake-damaged supplies last throughout summer.

- HERALD ONLINE