Kerikeri water is safe to drink, despite discolouration

** UPDATE - As of 5 January, discoloured water is no longer an issue in Kerikeri and water there continues to be safe to drink. **

Far North District Council is advising Kerikeri residents that the water connected to its water supply, is safe to drink.

Some households have been receiving discoloured water since contractors undertook maintenance work at reservoirs late this month. This resulted in manganese, a naturally-occurring trace mineral, to enter the plant which caused the discolouring to water supplied to some households.

Far North Waters Alliance Manager, Guillaume de Rouvroy says manganese traces in the reticulation network are causing some households to receive discoloured water, despite water operators flushing the pipes twice.

"We understand that people are concerned when discoloured water comes out of the tap. We apologise for this problem and want to reassure people that the water is safe to drink, despite its appearance."

Far North Waters are working to rectify the problem as quickly as possible and will continue to flush the network until the discolouration disappears. They are also testing the water on a daily basis and keeping health officials informed of the situation.

"We appreciate the situation is frustrating. Unfortunately, we cannot say how long it will be before all households receive clear water," de Rouvroy added.

People with concerns about their water should phone the Council's 24-hour Contact Centre on 0800 920 029.