21 October 2016

Media Release

Short-term chlorination planned for Richmond water

To safeguard Richmond’s water supply while major supply pipeline work takes place, the Tasman District Council will introduce chlorine into the water for several days in early November.

Council Utilities Manager Mike Schruer said the work to realign a section of pipeline at the end of Champion Road, as well as some minor repair work at the Champion Road reservoir, carried a small risk of introducing bacteria into the supply.

“To make sure Richmond’s drinking water remains safe, a small amount of chlorine will be added to the water at the Richmond Water Treatment Plant from 4 to 7 November,” Mike said.

“This is a temporary measure. Once the work is finished and the bacteria risk is gone, we will stop chlorination and the water will continue to undergo ultraviolet (UV) treatment as usual.”

FAQS

Will my water be affected?

The Richmond water supply, provided by the Tasman District Council, covers the Wakatu Industrial estate and ENZA in the north, residential houses on the northern side of Champion Road (in the Nelson City Council area but serviced by Tasman District Council water supply) and all of urban Richmond, including the Beach Road area and as far south as Haycock Road. If you live in this area you will receive chlorinated water for this time.

I don’t like the taste of chlorine – what can I do?

We suggest you fill clean bottles with water before 4 November and store them somewhere cool and dark in order to have unchlorinated water for drinking during this period. Alternatively, you can leave chlorinated water out in an open-topped container for several hours, then chill it, to reduce the taste of chlorine.

How long before the taste returns to normal?

It may take a few days after chlorination stops for the taste and odour of chlorine to disappear completely.

I have pet fish – can I top up their water?

If you have pet fish, don’t forget to de-chlorinate the water first before topping up their tank or set aside some non-chlorinated water before 4 November. You can de-chlorinate by using a specialist chemical you can buy from most pet shops.

ENDS

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