Raetihi Diesel Spill - #7

Emergency Water Supplies Safe

Tests of emergency water supplies being delivered to Raetihi in tankers show that the water is free of e.coli and meets the highest water quality health standards for human consumption.

Ruapehu District Council (RDC) Senior Environmental Health Officer, Mohammed Ishrar, said that the emergency water supplies are undergoing continuous testing.

“Although there may be some turbidity in the water such as the cloudiness or suspended particles from sediment the water is completely safe to drink,” he said.

“The tanker water is actually treated to a higher standard than the commercial spring water being delivered around town.”

“Because the tanker water comes out of high pressure hydrants any sediment in the system gets stirred up.”

Mr Ishrar noted that people filling containers from the tanker or water pods around town should ensure that the containers they are using are sterile.

“People have been filling anything that will hold water.”

“If it’s just for refilling their cistern for flushing the toilet it’s fine, however, if it’s for drinking they are taking an unnecessary health risk,” he said.

“The 15 litre water containers that sit in bench top cradles are refillable on a swappa-container basis.”

“As part of the re-filling process the handle, cap and outlet are all sterilized with boiling water.”

Mr Ishrar added that people should plan their water usage to make sure that they don’t run out afterhours.

“Anyone wanting to have their bench top water container changed needs to call Council on 06 385 4447 or look out for the Ruapehu Alpine Lifts water delivery vehicle driving around town.”

“For the larger tanks people need to call Council and request a delivery.”
ends

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