A boil water notice remains in place for thousands of Auckland residents as Watercare continues to investigate a single E. coli detection in a routine water sample.
Watercare said the notice only applies to properties within two specific zones in parts of Hillsborough, Mt Roskill, Royal Oak and Three Kings, and stressed that not all streets in the suburbs were affected. Water outside the mapped areas remained safe to drink.
Since the result was detected, Watercare said it has taken eight new water samples within the affected zone and 13 samples in nearby areas, all of which have returned clear, showing no E. coli.
The utility said its investigation indicated the most likely cause of the positive test was a problem with one sample tap, rather than the wider network.
The tap has since been replaced, and further testing is underway, with results expected tomorrow morning.
"If the next sample is normal, we will lift the notice," Watercare said.
The boil water notice has been issued as a precautionary public health measure, in consultation with water regulator Taumata Arowai, and will remain in place until the testing is completed.
Watercare chief operations officer Mark Bourne acknowledged the disruption for residents and businesses in the affected area.
"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.
"People can rest assured that only the zones marked on the maps are affected."
Bourne said Auckland's bulk water infrastructure — including treatment plants and major transmission mains — supplies multiple distribution zones, which helps contain any potential water quality issue.
"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."
Until the notice is lifted, residents and businesses in the affected zone are advised to use boiled tap water or bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth, making ice, washing dishes and preparing food. and to boil water once in an electric kettle until cool.
This would be sufficient to kill bacteria.
Alternative water supplies
Watercare is continuing to provide free tanker water for residents who are unable to boil water. Tankers are available 24/7 at:
- Big King Reserve, 113 Duke St
- Hillsborough Park carpark, Carlton St
A third tanker has also been deployed to support a local retirement village. Residents were advised to bring clean containers to fill up.
SHARE ME