13 November 2019
Users of the Wainuioru Rural Water Scheme have been reminded to boil their water before it is used for human consumption, after a sample tested positive for E.coli.
The scheme is owned by Masterton District Council but is operated by a Management Committee, which is elected from scheme members.
A boil water notice for water used for human consumption has been in place for approximately three years.
The scheme has 113 users of which 89 are small block or household users. The remaining 24 users are larger farms.
The scheme conducts monthly water tests and the latest taken last week tested positive for E.coli.
Where E.coli is detected, three further samples must be tested before the water can be declared clear of contamination.
The first of these samples was clear, but E.coli was found in the second sample.
Members of the scheme have been advised that E.coli has been detected, and reminded that the water must continue to be treated by boiling.
The contaminated test showing E.coli was from the Motomatai Pump Station.
Further tests will be undertaken as well as ongoing work to identify the source of the contamination.
In the meantime, the Management Committee has arranged for the reservoir at Motomatai to be chlorinated. Scheme users may therefore notice the water tastes different.
The Council and Committee are in regular contact with Regional Public Health and are following their instructions.
Water should be boiled if it is to be used for:
- drinking and ice
- food preparation
- oral hygiene
- pets.
How to boil water for drinking:
Boiling will kill all disease-causing organisms.
- Bring water to a rolling boil (where bubbles appear in the centre and do not disappear when the water is stirred) for one minute or boil a full electric jug until it switches off.
- Cool water (do not use ice cubes to do this) and pour into clean container with a lid.
- Refrigerate until needed.