Media Release

18 February, 2019

Water tank levels getting low? Make sure any refills are safe to drink

Given the dry hot weather conditions, coupled with limited rainfall, Northland DHB’s Public Health Unit strongly advise residents to contact a Ministry of Health Approved Water Carrier when household tank levels are running low.

Using an approved carrier is about ensuring safe drinking water at your place. Approved water carriers are booked in advance during this busy period, so making contact with your local carrier earlier is advisable. A list of Ministry of Health Approved Water Carriers can be found via this link

Our drinking water assessment unit also strongly advise all community centered organisations like Schools, camp grounds and retirement villages on their own water supplies to carry out regular E. coli monitoring and ensure water treatment systems are well maintained.

E. coli is an indicator of faecal contamination in drinking water and can cause illness, such as vomiting, diarrhoea; all of which can cause serious complications in the young, the elderly and for those with weakened immunity.

If the quality of the water needs to be checked for the presence of disease causing organisms the he Drinking Water Assessment Unit also recommends that samples be taken to a Ministry of Health of Approved Laboratories for analysis, of which we have four in Northland. You can find the closest one to you via this link

ENDS

© Scoop Media