Four water suppliers drawing water from the Waikato River have returned arsenic results that meet New Zealand’s drinking water standards, Waikato Regional Council has advised.
Head of operations for the Water Services Authority – Taumata Arowai, Steve Taylor expressed cautious optimism about the results.
“The results have been heading in the right direction for several days and are now within the acceptable range,” said Mr Taylor.
“We’re pleased with how the water suppliers have been responding to the situation. It is a sign of the system working – in terms of the testing practices alerting water suppliers to an issue, and them working collaboratively to share information as it comes in.”
The four water suppliers are Waipā District Council, Hamilton City Council, Waikato District Council, and Watercare.
Mr Taylor emphasised that there has been no threat to human health and the water has remained safe to drink throughout the testing process.
“All water suppliers are continuing their daily testing for the time being.”
On Wednesday, Watercare gathered samples from the Waikato River and at each stage of the water treatment process. These samples will be sent to a specialist laboratory in Melbourne for analysis to confirm the species of arsenic present. The results, expected within seven to 10 days, will help determine the most effective treatment processes for its removal. This will enable the water companies to make informed decisions about tailoring existing processes and considering new ones, Waikato Regional Council said in a statement.
Watercare will share its results with Taumata Arowai, Waikato Regional Council, and other water service providers so they can benefit from the information as well.
Meanwhile, the Council says it is considering a stepped-up water quality monitoring programme for the river over the next two years.
