Christchurch residents in several eastern suburbs are facing continued disruption as a boil water notice remains in effect after the detection of bacteria in the Rawhiti water supply. The notice, initially issued on Saturday, impacts approximately 30,000 people across New Brighton, Burwood, Wainoni, Aranui, and Southshore, according to recent census data. Residents are being urged to take precautions to ensure their water is safe for consumption.
The Christchurch City Council issued an emergency mobile alert shortly before 1pm on Saturday, warning of a public health risk and instructing residents to boil all water used for drinking, food preparation, and hygiene. Even as initial sampling across the wider Rawhiti zone showed promising results on Sunday, a subsequent positive test at the same location has prompted officials to extend the precautionary measure.
The council stated that the notice will remain in place until they can confidently assure Taumata Arowai, the water regulator, that the water supply is safe. This requires at least three consecutive days of clear test results. “The notice will then be lifted once we can provide confidence to Taumata Arowai that the water is safe to drink. Part of this assessment will be ensuring we also have at least three days of good results,” the council said in a statement.
To support affected residents, the council has reopened a community drinking water station at 345 Keyes Rd, providing access to chlorine-free water confirmed safe for drinking. Staff and contractors are actively investigating the source of the contamination and conducting further sampling throughout the affected zone.
What You Necessitate to Do
The boil water notice requires all water used for drinking, making baby formula, preparing food, washing fruits and vegetables, brushing teeth, and other hygiene purposes to be brought to a rolling boil for at least one minute. The alert specifically warns against relying on “instant” boil water systems, as they may not reach a sufficient temperature to kill harmful bacteria. However, jugs with automatic cut-off switches are acceptable as long as they are filled completely, and the switch is not held down to prolong boiling.
Residents are advised that filtered water also requires boiling before use. The presence of total coliforms, a broad category of bacteria found in the environment and sometimes in faeces, indicates that treatment may not be effective or that the treated water is vulnerable to contamination, according to Radio New Zealand.
Supermarket Demand and Supply
The boil water notice has led to a surge in demand for bottled water, with supermarkets in the affected areas reporting rapidly depleting stocks. RNZ reports that PAK’nSAVE Wainoni has implemented limits on the number of water bottles purchased per customer. The Christchurch City Council is considering bringing in additional drinking water supplies to address the growing need.
Previous Incidents and Ongoing Monitoring
This represents not the first time the Rawhiti zone has faced a boil water notice. In 2019, the area was under a similar notice for four days following the discovery of E. Coli. The council is prioritizing clear communication and thorough testing to resolve the current situation swiftly and safely. Chris Lynch Media reports that staff and contractors are continuing to investigate possible causes.
The council will continue to provide updates as testing progresses. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official council channels and to adhere to the boil water instructions until further notice. The next update is expected following the completion of three consecutive days of satisfactory water quality tests.
Share your experiences and concerns in the comments below. And please share this article with friends and family in the affected areas to ensure everyone stays informed.
Disclaimer: This article provides information about a public health notice and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or health advice.
