Raetihi can now return to the Makotuku River to draw its drinking water.
Yesterday Midcentral Medical Officer of Health Patrick O'Connor gave clearance to the Ruapehu District Council (RDC) that the Makotuku River was safe to drink.
A spill from the Turoa ski field on Mt Ruapehu in October last year leaked 19,000 litres of diesel into the Makotuku River forcing RDC to switch the water source for Raetihi township to the Makara Stream.
RDC chief executive Peter Till said that although it was good news that Dr O'Connor has given the go-ahead to return to the Makotuku, a date for this has not yet been set.
"Council will discuss the clearance with Raetihi residents at the public meeting scheduled for 6pm on Thursday at the Raetihi Cosmopolitan Club.".