Residents and visitors to areas of New Brighton, Burwood, Wainoni, Aranui and Southshore are being advised to boil their water until further notice after a sample within the zone was found to be contaminated.
Christchurch City Council has confirmed testing in the area showed the presence of bacteria in drinking water.
“As part of our normal sample programme, we test for E.coli and total coliforms. The sample showed no E.coli was present, just total coliforms,” Council said in a statement.
“Total coliforms are a group of bacteria commonly found in the environment, and their presence in the water network serves as an indicator of potential contamination and the possible existence of harmful pathogens.”
All water used for drinking, food preparation, utensil washing, brushing teeth or making ice should be boiled until further notice, the Council advised.
Council staff and contractors are in the area undertaking further testing and investigations to understand the cause of the contamination.
“Until we have further information the boil water notice will remain in place.”
“Bringing water to the boil is sufficient to kill bugs. If you can’t boil your water then bottled water is the only other option.”
The Council has issued text alerts to residents’ cell phones. The text alerts can also be received by people travelling into the areas. Residents are encouraged to share the message with their neighbours.
The boil water notice will be in place until further notice.
