Kaingaroa water supply may have elevated levels of chlorate and may have harmful microbes

Update 11 July 2024: We are still awaiting new chlorine. The revised expected delivery date is late July. An alternative water source should be used for drinking and cooking. The replacement parts have resolved the fault at the treatment plant. Tap water can now be used to brush teeth, wash uncooked food, and wash utensils. Thank you for being so patient.

This notice is in place until further notice.

Elevated levels of chlorate have been measured in the Kaingaroa water supply. Use an alternative water source for drinking and cooking. Use boiled tap water for brushing teeth, washing uncooked food, and washing food utensils.

The chlorate level is approaching 1 mg/L, which is above the drinking water standard limit of 0.8 mg/L. The limit is based on long-term consumption of water by an adult, rather than acute exposure.

• Babies and children are more prone to illness from chlorate.
• Boiling the water or using a standard household water filter will not remove the chlorate. See some suggestions for what tap water should and shouldn’t be used for.
• You can get alternative drinking water from the drinking tap inside Kaingaroa School, which has low levels of chlorate (<0.05 mg/L), or you can use bottled water.

There may also be harmful microbes in the water due to a fault at the treatment plant.

• Boiling the water will kill any microbes in the water. See when boiled tap water should be used.
• You should bring tap water to a full rolling boil, let it boil for one minute and then let it cool before using.

We are working hard to resolve this issue and will update the community if the situation changes.

We would like to thank residents for their cooperation and patience during this period.

When to use alternative water or boiled tap water

Alternative water for:

• Drinking
• Making baby formula
• Making drinks using water (eg tea, coffee)
• Making food using water (eg soup)
• Making ice for drinks

Tap water for:

• Washing uncooked foods (salad, vegetables, fruit)
• Brushing teeth
• Washing food utensils
• Hand washing
• Washing dishes
• Showering and bathing
• Washing clothes
• Flushing the toilet
• Watering the garden

Contact Kirsten Norquay on 027 582 5171 or Paul Eagle 03 305 0033 to discuss this matter.