Eltham Residents - Free Water Filter Jug/Filters

Dear Eltham Resident

Due to the taste issues currently being experienced in the Eltham water supply, the Council is offering households a free water filter jug and/or water filters. Simply go to the Eltham LibraryPlus from Thursday 5 December to get yours. Chilling water in the fridge can also help reduce the taste.

What else is being done?

Council is also urgently bringing forward upgrade works at the Eltham water treatment plant that will improve the taste/odour issues. Unfortunately, removing these taste compounds through the treatment process is complicated so this work won’t be completed until later next year (but before the summertime).

What is causing this?

The ‘earthy’ taste is caused by naturally occurring organic compounds in the Waingongoro Stream where we source Eltham’s water.

This issue is typically found in streams and rivers around Taranaki and other parts of NZ during summer months when our streams/rivers generally have a low flow, are warmer and are exposed to sunlight for long periods which leads to algal growth.

Because of the warmer than usual temperatures we’ve experienced this spring and the lower rainfall this ‘earthy’ taste is more noticeable than usual.

While the taste might be unpleasant the water is still safe to drink.

Thank you for your patience and understanding and if you have any questions you can contact us toll free on 0800 111 323.