Kaingaroa water supply advisory: elevated chlorate levels and possible microbes

Residents in Kaingaroa are advised not to drink tap water due to elevated chlorate levels and the potential presence of harmful microbes. Use alternative water for drinking and cooking, and boiled tap water for brushing teeth, washing food, and cleaning utensils until further notice.

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.

You can get alternative drinking water from the filling station in the Fulton Hogan Yard in Waitangi during normal working hours, or you can use bottled water.

There may also be harmful microbes in the water due to the treatment plant receiving poorer raw water quality than usual.

• Boiling the water will kill any microbes in the water. See below 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 these issues and will update the community if the situation changes.

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

Contact Colette Peni 03 305 0033 if you wish to discuss this matter.

When to use alternative water or boiled tap water

Use an alternative water source for drinking and cooking. Boil all tap water used for brushing teeth, washing uncooked food, and washing food utensils.

Alternative water for:

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

Boiled tap water for:

• Washing uncooked foods (salad, vegetables, fruit)
• Brushing teeth
• Washing food utensils

Tap water for:

• Hand washing
• Showering and bathing
• Washing clothes
• Flushing the toilet
• Watering the garden