Boil water notice in place for Greymouth after E. coli found

A boil water notice has been issued for residents in Greymouth after a sample tested positive for E. coli.

The Grey District Council said the notice was for all residents in Greymouth, Cobden, Blaketown, Boddytown, Karoro, South Beach, Paroa, Kaiata, Dobson, Taylorville, Stillwater, Runanga, Dunollie, Coal Creek, and Rapahoe.

People in the affected areas were urged to boil water for "drinking, food preparation, brushing teeth, or preparing infant formula" until further notice.

A water sample taken while connecting the Kaiata water zone to Kaiata Park found the presence of E. coli, Grey District Council said in a statement.

"Whilst it is possible it is a sampling error, council is obligated to take a precautionary approach to ensure public safety," it said.

The council said it would provide updates on its website at 5pm daily over the weekend. Daily sampling will also be done for all areas connected to the Greater Greymouth water supply.

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E. coli is a bacterium ingested through water, food, and contact with animal faeces. Symptoms include stomach cramps, diarrhoea and vomiting.

It could be particularly dangerous for the young, older people, and those who are immunocompromised.