Additional water works undertaken to improve water quality in Kerikeri

Far North District Council has overnight undertaken additional water works to improve the quality of the Kerikeri-Waipapa water supply to help flush out manganese from its reticulation network – a naturally occurring trace mineral known to cause water discolouration.

Far North Waters Alliance Manager, Guillaume de Rouvroy says that despite its appearance, the water is safe to drink.

“Our daily testing indicates that the water source, treatment plant, and network all meet drinking water standards, however, we do acknowledge the concerns and frustration some customers have reported in recent days over discoloured water coming out of their taps, which is why we have taken additional steps to resolve the issue.”

The planned maintenance included hydrant flushing throughout the water supply network in the Kerikeri area to help mitigate discolouration of the water caused by the higher-than-normal manganese found in one of its water sources.

The Kerikeri water supply is sourced from both the Puketotara Stream and the Waingaro Reservoir Dam with limits on the daily volume that can be taken from the stream. During the summer period of high-volume usage, raw water from the reservoir is required to help supplement the river raw water to meet demand, which is susceptible to manganese.

“While the water treatment plant currently ensures drinking water standards are met, work is underway to improve the treatment process to also help reduce traces of manganese in the network,” added de Rouvroy.

Should water discolouration continue beyond a few days after flushing of the network, concerned residents should phone the Council's 24-hour Contact Centre on 0800 920 029.