Ultra violet treatment for Havelock North water

An ultra violet light filter that will treat the Havelock North water is being loaned to Hastings District Council while decisions on future treatment of the supply are made.

The offer of a portable plant has been made by Watercare, which manages Auckland’s water supply, in the wake of the gastric illness in Havelock North this week, caused by the water supply.

Council water services manager Brett Chapman says ultra violet treatment is proven to remove the contaminants that can make people ill, and provides an additional level of treatment on top of chlorination.

Until now, the water supply servicing Havelock North had been deemed ‘secure’, and so no treatment was required.

After this week’s incident, that classification would no longer apply and permanent treatment of some kind would be required.

Council would consider all options, said Mr Chapman. “But in the meantime it is really appreciated that Auckland can lend us this filter”.

The boil water notice remains in force in Havelock North, requiring that water is rapidly boiled for at least one minute before being cooled for drinking.

Free drinking water is available from tankers stationed at five points across Havelock North: at Te Mata Primary School, Lucknow Primary School, Havelock North High School, Havelock North Primary School and the New World Havelock North car park.

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