Residents in parts of Christchurch have been told to boil their drinking water after contamination was discovered in a local supply. The warning was issued by Christchurch City Council on Friday afternoon following testing that found bacteria in the Rawhiti water network.
According to a report by 1News, an emergency mobile alert was sent shortly before 1 pm, warning of a public health risk affecting the Rawhiti water supply, including New Brighton, Burwood, Wainoni, Aranui, and Southshore.
"PUBLIC HEALTH ALERT: All people in the Rawhiti water supply zone, New Brighton, Burwood, Wainoni, Aranui, and Southshore are advised to BOIL ALL DRINKING WATER until further notice," 1News has quoted.
Residents were instructed to boil water used for drinking, food preparation and hygiene.
“Boil all water for drinking, making up formula, juices and ice, washing fruits and vegetables, other cooking needs, and brushing teeth. All water (including filtered) needs to be continuously boiled for at least 1 minute,” as quoted by 1News.
The alert warned, "'Instant' boil water systems do not boil water sufficiently".
"It is OK to use jugs with an automatic cut-off switch as long as they are full. Do not hold the switch down to increase boiling time," 1News has reported.
The council confirmed bacteria had been detected in drinking water samples from the area.
"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," 1News has quoted.
According to the most recent Census data, the notice is estimated to affect about 30,000 residents in the eastern suburbs.