Boil water notice for Paihia, Ōpua and Waitangi

A boil water notice is in place for households and businesses connected to the council’s Paihia-Ōpua-Waitangi supply as of 2pm today (Thursday 4 December).

The notice applies to properties in Paihia, Ōpua, Waitangi, Te Haumi and Haruru.

The boil water notice follows reports of E.coli bacteria being detected in the water. While some strains of E.coli can be harmless others can cause stomach cramps, diarrhea and other illnesses. The boil water notice has therefore been put in place as a precautionary measure.

Test results indicate a very low risk to public health but this cannot be confirmed 100 percent until further testing tomorrow morning.

Those affected should boil water for at least one minute, should not rely on filters and seek advice from a medical practitioner if they have symptoms of gastroenteritis.

The boil water notice applies to water used for:

• Drinking and ice
• Food preparation
• Oral hygiene
• Pets.

In response to the detection of E.coli bacteria, the council is isolating Te Haumi 2 Reservoir to prevent any wider network contamination risk, while further investigation and testing of the network continues. The entire Paihia network has been tested today.

Before a boil water notice can be removed, the council requires three clear E.coli tests meaning the earliest the notice can be lifted is Monday 8 December.

Taumata Arowai, the national water services regulator, has been informed of the boil water notice and is being updated on actions underway to return the supply to normal service.