Woodville boil water notice in place after possum found in water treatment tank

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Description: Another long night for firefighters as Port Hills fire rages on, Niwa called out after splurging on luxury utes and Taylor Swift fever hits Australia in the latest NZ Herald headlines. Video / NZ Herald / Supplied / Newstalk ZB / AP

Hawkes Bay Today

15 Feb, 2024 11:54 PM2 mins to read

Another long night for firefighters as Port Hills fire rages on, Niwa called out after splurging on luxury utes and Taylor Swift fever hits Australia in the latest NZ Herald headlines. Video / NZ Herald / Supplied / Newstalk ZB / AP

A boil water notice is in place over the weekend for Woodville residents after a dead possum was found in the water treatment tank.

The notice was issued on Thursday night as a precautionary measure until further investigation, flushing and testing are completed.

According to a Tararua District Council (TDC) social media post at 11.40am on Friday, the possum had been removed and the council was accessing the water tank to identify where the animal could have entered so it could block any access points.

Woodville residents should boil their water for at least three days. Photo / Leanne Warr

TDC said test samples were being taken to a laboratory and, after three consecutive days of clear testing, the boil water notice would be lifted.

Three waters manager Roger Earp said the chlorine level was increased on Thursday afternoon as a precautionary measure and so far no evidence of any concerns had been detected.

Routine sampling was continuing and no other contaminants such as E. coli were detected in the water network.

A letter drop was conducted on Thursday night and the council said updates would be provided through information channels.

Residents on the water supply are advised to boil their water before drinking (including making sachet juice and drinks), making ice, preparing food, brushing teeth and preparing infant and toddler formula.

TDC said electric jugs with a cut-off switch could be used as long as they were full and allowed the water to boil before switching off.

A dead possum has been removed from the Woodville water treatment tank.

Water can also be placed in a clean metal pan and brought to a rolling boil for one minute. Boiled water should be covered and allowed to cool in the same container.

People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, pregnant women and some elderly people may be at increased risk and should seek advice about drinking the water from their healthcare providers.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact Tararua District Council directly on 06 374 4080 or 06 376 0110.