Ōpaki community encouraged to boil their water following high levels of E. coli contamination

The Water Services Authority – Taumata Arowai (the Authority) is advising the community of Ōpaki to take a Boil Water Notice seriously. 

The Authority has directed the Ōpaki Water Supply Association to take action following repeated evidence of contamination posing a serious threat to public health.

Steve Taylor, Head of Operations, said the Authority has been monitoring the Opaki supply and has directed the Boil Water Notice must remain in place until water quality is restored.

“Communities deserve to know if their water risks making them sick and know what action to take to stay safe. Right now, there is a very high risk of harm from consuming water from the contaminated supply.”

“We strongly advise the community to take this Boil Water Notice seriously and not drink from the supply without boiling the water first until they are officially advised that the Boil Water Notice is lifted.”

Masterton District Council has decommissioned a fluoride free public tap in Lansdowne that is connected to the supply.

“We are aware the Council has put up signage and removed access to the public tap. We urge people not to tamper with the safety measures that are in place. They are there to eliminate the public health risk,” said Taylor.

“Anyone who is experiencing gastro symptoms (stomach cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, fever) is encouraged to go to their healthcare provider, or call Healthline for free on 0800 611 116. Be sure to let them know if you have been drinking water from the Ōpaki water supply or the Manuka St public tap in Masterton since the end of August. If you have stored water collected from the public tap in that period, please do not use it for drinking water.”

“We will continue to work alongside the Ōpaki supplier, and appreciate the ongoing support of the Masterton District Council and the National Public Health Service.”

The Authority’s Compliance, Monitoring and Enforcement Strategy expects all public water supplies in New Zealand, large and small, to have basic protections in place by 2028. Drinking water supplies must be kept free from harmful germs and chemicals, and water source quality must be checked regularly.

ENDS

Further information about staying safe during a Boil Water Notice