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Pātea residents - Boil Water Notice is Now Lifted

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Patea Boil Water Notice is now Lifted

Update - Monday 16 September, 2:0pm

Kia ora Pātea residents,

On Friday 13 September a Boil Water Notice was issued in Pātea because a test detected that the bacteria known as E.coli may be in the Pātea water supply.

Further monitoring results from samples collected over the last three days have confirmed there is no longer a health risk to the Pātea water supply and that the water is now considered safe to drink without the need to boil it.

We are continuing to monitor and test the supply closely.

Please flush (run) all taps for 5 minutes to remove any water that is left in the pipes.

If you require further information, please contact our customer services team on 0800 111 323 or go to www.southtaranaki.com

Thanks for your support in keeping our community safe.

Update - Saturday 14 September, 2:30pm

Kia ora Pātea residents,

First – thank you for being so kind to our staff who were on the ground on a wet Friday night door knocking. It’s a hard message to give and it helps when the community is so awesome.

Second – we have large bottles of water available (15L) for residents to collect from Aotea Utanganui – Museum of South Taranaki on Egmont Street from 10am until 4pm Saturday 14 September and from 10am until 1pm on Sunday 15 September if you want it. Also, if you know of someone who can’t make it out to collect bottled water themselves, ask them to call the museum on 273 8354 between 10am – 4pm today and 10am -1pm tomorrow, and we will arrange delivery. We expect to get further results back tomorrow, but we need to have three consecutive days of clear testing before we can lift the Boil Water Notice. We’re monitoring the supply and testing daily so we can let you know what’s happening as soon as possible.

Boil Water Notice issued to residents - Friday 13 September, 6pm

A routine test has detected the possibility that the bacteria known as E.coli may be in the Pātea water supply.

We are continuously monitoring the supply and, as a precaution, we are advising that residents boil water used for drinking (including pets), brushing teeth or for food preparation until further notice.

Bringing water to the boil is enough to kill all bugs. However, we advise boiling water for about one minute.

  • Bring water to a rolling boil for one minute.
  • Allow the water to cool before using.
  • Store cooled water in a clean container with a cover.

We are taking this precautionary approach until we can be certain there is no public health concern. You will be notified immediately when the advisory is lifted.

If you are concerned about your health or the health of your family, call your health care provider.

Further information and updates will be provided here or alternatively contact us on 0800 111 323.

Please download our Antenno app to have updates sent directly to your mobile phone, or follow us on our Facebook page.

  • Fill a pot with water.
  • Heat the water until bubbles come from the bottom of the pot to the top.
  • Once the water reaches a rolling boil, let it boil for 1 minute.
  • Turn off the heat source and let the water cool.
  • Pour water into a clean container with a cover for storage.

If tap water is clear:

  • Use bleach that does not have an added scent (like lemon).
  • Add 1/8 teaspoon (8 drops or about 0.75 millilitres) of household liquid bleach to 4 litres (16 cups) of water.
  • Mix well and wait 30 minutes or more before drinking.
  • Store disinfected water in a clean container with a cover.

If tap water is cloudy:

  • Filter through a clean cloth before adding bleach.

Remember: containers may need to be sanitised before being used to store water:

  • Use bleach that does not have an added scent (like lemon).
  • Add 1 teaspoon (64 drops or 5 millilitres) of household liquid bleach to 4 cups, or about 1 litre) of water.
  • Pour this into a clean storage container and shake well, making sure that the solution coats the entire inside of the container.
  • Let sit at least 30 seconds, and then pour out solution.
  • Air dry OR rinse container with clean water that has already been made safe, if available.

Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners. Open windows and doors to get fresh air when you use bleach.

Boiling or adding chlorine will not remove chemicals. If chemicals are present in the water supply (e.g., after soot from a fire landing on a roof) then do not use the water. Divert any water collected during the event to waste and use an alternative supply (e.g., bottled water) until the risk is managed.

To improve the taste, you can:

  • Pour cooled water back and forth from one clean glass into another to add air to the water; or
  • let the water stand for a few hours or add a pinch of salt to each litre of boiled water.

Do not use water from any appliance connected to your water lines. This includes water and ice dispensers in your refrigerator/freezer.

  • Filters do not remove or kill bacteria or viruses.
  • Do not use ice from ice trays, ice dispensers, or ice makers. Make new ice with boiled or bottled water.

Most people who drink this water will not get sick. If you do get sick, the symptoms are similar to food poisoning: nausea, diarrhoea, cramps, and possibly a mild fever.

  • The most important thing to do is avoid dehydration. If you are concerned about your health, contact your health care provider.

Pets can get some of the same diseases as people. It is a good idea to give them boiled water that has been cooled.

No. Do not use tap water to brush your teeth. Use boiled or bottled water.

Yes, it is safe to take a bath or shower, but be careful not to swallow any water. Use caution when bathing infants and young children.

  • Consider giving them a sponge bath to reduce the chance of them swallowing water.

E. coli (Escherichia coli) is a specific type of coliform bacteria. Water suppliers test for E.coli to monitor water quality. If the water scheme has a positive test for one of these organisms, it can mean possible contamination and a risk of waterborne disease.

You need to flush all taps for 5 minutes to remove any contaminated water that is left in the pipes.

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