Update #3 to the 23 May Boil Water Notice issued for Pongaroa Water Supply 28 May 2024

Tararua District Council would like to advise that the Boil Water Notice in Pongaroa has been lifted as of today, 28 May 2024.

• Testing Results at the Pongaroa Water Treatment Plant currently meet NZ Drinking Water Standard compliance.
• The Boil Water Notice in Pongaroa was issued on 23 May 2024 due to high turbidity levels following heavy rainfall where the filters of the treatment plant were not able to treat water according to NZ Drinking Water Standards.
• Council would like to extend a sincere thank you to all residents in Pongaroa for their cooperation and patience.
• Council would also like to thank NZ’s water services regulator Taumata Arowai, for their support during this time.

What to do once the Boil Water Notice is lifted?

• It is recommended that you run all your cold taps for 5 minutes before using the water and flush any appliances (e.g coffee machines, water dispensers, ice makers) that are connected to the water supply. Hot water cylinders and water header tanks may need to be drained and refilled.
• If you have been away while a boil water notice has been in place, run your taps for 15 minutes to clear old water from your lateral.
• If you have water filters installed the filter must be maintained and replaced according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Cleaning Water Tanks

• If you switched your tank supply off at the water toby on Thursday 23^rd May 2024, the supply can be switched back on at the water toby.
• If there is a lot of sediment at the bottom of the tank it can be siphoned off using a swimming pool vacuum cleaner. Tank cleaning contractors can be contacted to help.
• Water tanks should ideally be inspected annually and cleaned if necessary. Tank cleaning should ideally be carried out by tank-cleaning contractors.
• Cleaning should generally be limited to removing accumulated sediments, leaf litter, or other objects such as insects and animals that may have gained access to the tank.

Disinfection with Chlorine

You may wish to chlorinate the water in your tank. For a 20,000-litre tank, 660 ml of plain household bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite) with no perfume or surfactants will give you a chlorine residual of 1mg/l, which will provide good disinfection. Leave the water for at least 30 minutes for the chlorine to work and to mix around the tank.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Update #2 to the 23 May Boil Water Notice issued for Pongaroa Water Supply 27 May 2024

• There is less turbidity; however, the boil water notice will remain in place for the next 24 hour to ensure the remaining turbidity in the reticulation network has flushed through.
• New Cartridge Filters were put back into operation today (Monday).
• Residents that have other houses or have tenants on their property are requested to advise them that a Boil Water Notice has been issued.
• The next update will be provided on Tuesday, 28 May 2024.

Residents are asked to boil water before using it for:

• drinking (including making of sachet juice/drinks).
• making ice;
• food preparation;
• brushing teeth; and
• preparing infant/toddler formula.

Electric jugs with a cut-off switch can be used as long as they are full – allow the water to come to the boil and wait for it to switch off (do not hold the switch down to increase the boiling time).  Water can also be placed in a clean metal pan and brought to a rolling boil for one minute.  Boiled water should be covered and allowed to cool in the same container.

People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, pregnant women, and some elderly may be at increased risk.

These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. If you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor or Healthline 0800 611 116.

For any enquiries please contact us at info@tararuadc.govt.nz or give the team a call (06 374 4080 or 06 376 0110)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Update #1 to the 23 May Boil Water Notice issued for Pongaroa Water Supply 24 May 2024

• The boil water notice will remain in place over the weekend for all Pongaroa residents connected to the town water supply.
• Residents are also asked to conserve water where possible.
• Residents that have other houses or have tenants on their property are requested to advise them that a Boil Water Notice has been issued.
• Turbidity levels still remain high for the Pongaroa Water Supply and the filters at the treatment plant are still not able to treat water according to NZ Drinking water standards.
• The next update will be provided on Monday, 27 May 24.

Residents are asked to boil water before using it for:

• drinking (including making of sachet juice/drinks).
• making ice;
• food preparation;
• brushing teeth; and
• preparing infant/toddler formula.

Electric jugs with a cut-off switch can be used as long as they are full – allow the water to come to the boil and wait for it to switch off (do not hold the switch down to increase the boiling time).  Water can also be placed in a clean metal pan and brought to a rolling boil for one minute.  Boiled water should be covered and allowed to cool in the same container.

People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, pregnant women, and some elderly may be at increased risk.

These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. If you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor or Healthline 0800 611 116.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

23 May 2024

Boil Water Notice issued for Pongaroa water supply, Thursday 23 May 2024

Tararua District Council has issued a boil water notice for the Pongaroa water supply. Due to high turbidity levels following heavy rainfall, the filters of the treatment plant are not able to treat water according to NZ Drinking Water Standards. Staff are onsite and updates will be provided.

Until notified, Pongaroa residents are advised to boil water before using it for:

• drinking (including making of sachet juice/drinks);
• making ice;
• food preparation;
• brushing teeth; and
• preparing infant/toddler formula.

Electric jugs with a cut-off switch can be used as long as they are full – allow the water to come to the boil and wait for it to switch off (do not hold the switch down to increase the boiling time).  Water can also be placed in a clean metal pan and brought to a rolling boil for one minute. Boiled water should be covered and allowed to cool in the same container.

People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, pregnant women, and some elderly may be at increased risk.

These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. If you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor or Healthline 0800 611 116.

Residents that have other houses or have tenants on their property are requested to advise them that a Boil Water Notice has been issued.

Residents are also asked to conserve water where possible.

Thank you.