Dunedin residents probably have to boil their water until Saturday

A boil water notice remains in place for parts of Dunedin affected by a contamination scare this week as the council awaits more test results.

The Dunedin City Council says initial tests have shown clear results from water samples taken across the affected area, but people should continue to boil water, probably until Saturday.

Council chief executive Sue Bidrose said last night's results measured the levels of bacteria such as E. coli in the water when the samples were taken - about midday on Tuesday - after flushing of the system had started.

Those results were within normal safe drinking water standards.

However, the council needed three days of clear bacteria test results, plus one clear protozoa (such as cryptosporidium and giardia) test before it could lift the boil water notice.

Bidrose said the council was still waiting for results of protozoa testing.

"We expect to receive the results of this test late Saturday.

"We have also taken water samples from the Ross Creek reservoir, so we know what might have entered our pipes. These results, which we now expect to receive tomorrow, will not affect the boil water notice, but will tell us what we might be looking at from a public health perspective.

"It is important to note that this water was diluted by treated water in the system and the test is a 'worst case' result.

"We will release all results to the public as soon as we get them," Bidrose said.

Council business advisors and environmental health officers are available to help with advice about business continuity, and food preparation and safety.

Concerned businesses should call (03) 477 4000 for further advice. Information is also available at www.dunedin.govt.nz/boil-water-notice.