Water Services Authority responds to campground drinking water contamination
A number of cases of serious illness attributed to contamination of a private drinking water supply at a North Canterbury campground is a stark reminder of the importance of drinking water safety
A number of cases of serious illness attributed to contamination of a private drinking water supply at a North Canterbury campground is a stark reminder of the importance of drinking water safety.
Water Services Authority – Taumata Arowai Head of Operations, Steve Taylor says it is vital that visitors to campgrounds are aware of risks and follow instructions to boil drinking water for their safety.
“Many remote campgrounds across New Zealand rely on boil water notices. As we gear up for the summer holidays, the Authority reminds operators to check how they are keeping their visitors safe, check their signage is visible and up to date, and keep an eye on their water sources for changes that may indicate increased risks.
“The Authority was alerted by the National Public Service of Health NZ to cases of gastrointestinal illness among people including school groups who visited the Hanmer Springs Forest Camp in September. We immediately ensured that the campground operator put steps in place to prevent the possibility of further illness to visitors from drinking water.
“A boil water advisory was issued for the campground on 17 September. Since then, staff from the Authority have visited the site to assess the campground’s drinking water supply and to confirm the consumer advisories and mitigation measures are in place.
“Now that the drinking water has been identified as the likely source of the illness, the Authority has issued a direction for the consumer advisory to remain until effective drinking water treatment is in place,” says Steve Taylor.
The illness was caused by a shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). STEC is a bacterial infection that causes symptoms like severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhoea, vomiting and fever. Symptoms usually begin three to eight days after becoming infected. Most people recover within five to ten days, but STEC can lead to a serious complication called haemolytic uraemic syndrome, especially in children under five, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.
The National Public Health Service's investigation identified 10 confirmed and 37 probable cases of illness associated with this event. Six people have required hospital treatment.
Steve Taylor says the Authority is working closely with the private water supplier, Hurunui District Council, and the National Public Health Service regarding the outbreak.
“This is a serious illness, and we acknowledge that it will have had a significant impact on those who have been sick and those who are still recovering.
“The campground operator has been cooperative and is actively communicating with groups onsite. Campground guests have been provided with bottled drinking water and signage is in place on all taps advising that the water must be boiled.”
The source water for the campground supply is a shallow stream that is likely to contain disease-causing microorganisms (pathogens) with the pathogen load increasing during periods of heavy rainfall.
The Authority’s on-site assessment of the water treatment system is that it does not manage all the source water risks adequately and the risk to public health remains high without the boil water advisory remaining in place.
“We encourage all suppliers to understand how they are keeping drinking water safe, especially those who might provide water to a larger number of people in the busy summer months.
“If you are a drinking water supplier and you are not currently registered with the Authority, I encourage you to check our website for guidance on how to provide safe drinking water for your type of supply,” says Steve Taylor.
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