A boil water notice remains in effect for residents in parts of Auckland, New Zealand, as Watercare investigates a single detection of E. coli in a routine water sample.
Boil Water Notice Details
The notice applies to properties within specific zones in Hillsborough, Mt Roskill, Royal Oak and Three Kings, but Watercare stressed that not all streets in these suburbs are affected. Water outside the mapped areas remains safe to drink.
Since the initial detection, Watercare has collected eight additional water samples from within the affected zone and 13 samples from nearby areas. All subsequent tests have returned clear results, showing no presence of E. coli.
Watercare believes the positive test was likely caused by an issue with a single sample tap, which has since been replaced. Further testing is underway, with results expected tomorrow morning.
“If the next sample is normal, we will lift the notice,” Watercare said.
The boil water notice was issued as a precautionary public health measure in consultation with water regulator Taumata Arowai.
Watercare chief operations officer Mark Bourne acknowledged the disruption to residents and businesses in the affected area, stating, “We understand that keeping this boil water notice in place is disruptive for people and businesses and we appreciate everyone’s patience while we do this extra testing.” He added that only the mapped zones are affected.
Bourne explained that Auckland’s water infrastructure is designed to contain potential water quality issues, and that the wider Auckland network is not at risk. Water samples are taken daily from sample taps across all distribution zones.
Residents and businesses within the affected zone are advised to boil tap water or use bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth, making ice, washing dishes, and preparing food. Water should be brought to a boil in an electric kettle and allowed to cool before use, which is sufficient to kill bacteria.
Alternative Water Supplies
Watercare is providing free tanker water for residents unable to boil water at the following locations, available 24/7:
- Big King Reserve, 113 Duke St
- Hillsborough Park carpark, Carlton St
An additional tanker is supporting a local retirement village. Residents are advised to bring clean containers to fill with water.
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