A precautionary boil water notice remains in place for thousands of residents in parts of Auckland as Watercare continues its investigation into a single detection of E. coli in a routine water sample.
According to a report by 1news, the utility confirmed the notice applies only to specific zones within Hillsborough, Mt Roskill, Royal Oak and Three Kings, emphasising that not all streets in those suburbs are affected. Water outside the identified areas has been deemed safe to drink.
Following the initial detection, Watercare conducted further testing, collecting eight new samples within the affected zone and 13 from nearby areas. All of these have returned clear results, showing no presence of E. coli.
According to Watercare, early findings suggest the issue may have been caused by a faulty sample tap rather than contamination within the broader water network. The tap in question has since been replaced, and additional testing is ongoing, with results expected by tomorrow morning, as reported by 1News.
"If the next sample is normal, we will lift the notice," Watercare said, 1News has quoted.
The notice has been issued as a precautionary public health measure in consultation with water regulator Taumata Arowai and will remain until testing is complete.
Watercare chief operations officer Mark Bourne acknowledged the inconvenience caused to residents and businesses.
"We understand that keeping this boil water notice in place is disruptive for people and businesses and we appreciate everyone's patience while we do this extra testing," he said, as quoted by 1News.
"People can rest assured that only the zones marked on the maps are affected."
Bourne added that Auckland’s bulk water infrastructure is designed to limit risks by supplying multiple distribution zones separately.
"This means there is no risk to the wider Auckland network," he said.
"Water samples are taken at least once a day from sample taps across all distribution zones," 1News has quoted.
In the meantime, residents and businesses in the affected areas are advised to boil tap water or use bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth, preparing food, washing dishes, and making ice. Authorities recommend boiling water once in an electric kettle and allowing it to cool, which is sufficient to kill bacteria.
According to 1News, to support those unable to boil water, Watercare has se up free tanker supplies operating круглосуточно at Big King Reserve on Duke Street and the Hillsborough Park carpark on Carlton Street. A third tanker has also been deployed to assist a nearby retirement village. Residents are encouraged to bring clean containers when collecting water.