Published 14/02/2022
Featherston boil water notice update
UPDATE: All drinking water must be boiled in Featherston
Today our crews are working to isolate the Boar Bush Reservoir from the rest of the Featherston drinking water network.
The network will then be flushed to ensure it is clear of any contaminates. We will also be undertaking daily sampling and testing.
When the flushing process has been completed, and our samples show the water is no longer contaminated, we will monitor the network for around three days to ensure the system is clear.
We anticipate the boil water notice to be in place until early next week.
Our crews are working as quickly as possible, and we will provide regular updates on our progress.
How to boil water for drinking:
Boiling will kill all disease-causing organisms.
- Bring water to a rolling boil (where bubbles appear in the centre and do not disappear when the water is stirred) for one minute or boil a full electric jug until it switches off.
- Cool water (do not use ice cubes to do this) and pour into clean container with a lid.
- Refrigerate until needed.
Babies, young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people who have weakened immune systems are more at risk of illness. If you get diarrhoea, vomiting and/or a fever, get advice from your doctor or contact Healthline (0800 611 116).
For more information contact South Wairarapa District Council on 06 306 9611 or go to wellingtonwater.co.nz.
Do I need to boil my water?
We advise that all drinking water in Featherston be boiled before being used for drinking, food preparation or brushing teeth.
What caused the contamination?
This weekend’s unusually high rainfall caused surface water to enter the concrete reservoir that stores treated drinking water, contaminating the water supply.
As a precaution, we advise that water be boiled before use, as this is the best way to make water safe.
How long do I need to boil the water for?
Boiling will kill all disease-causing organisms.
- Place the water in a clean metal pan and bring the water to a rolling boil (where bubbles appear in the centre and do not disappear when the water is stirred) for one minute.
- Alternatively, boil an electric jug full of water until the switch turns off.
- Cool water (do not use ice cubes to do this) and pour into clean container with a lid.
- Refrigerate until needed.
What are the potential health risks from drinking water that hasn’t been boiled first?
There is a risk you could get sick from bugs in the water. Babies, young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people who have weakened immune systems are more at risk of illness. If you get diarrhoea, vomiting and/or a fever get advice from your doctor or Healthline (0800 611 116).
I have a water filtration unit installed. Does this make the water safe?
No. Filtered water should also be boiled before using it for drinking, food preparation or brushing your teeth.
Can I use my coffee machine, soda machine or ice maker?
Machines that are connected to the water supply should not be used. Use boiled water or bottled water for making coffee, ice or soda drinks.
Can I use the shower and bath?
Yes, you can, as long as you don’t swallow the water. Toddlers and infants should be sponge bathed to reduce the chance of them swallowing the water.
Can I still use the water for washing the dishes and doing the laundry?
If you are washing dishes by hand then boiled water should be used. If your dishwasher has a hot setting, it can be used to wash dishes. If it doesn’t have a hot setting, once it’s finished, rinse the dishes in a bleach solution afterwards (2 drops unscented household bleach per 1 litre of water). Allow the dishes to completely air dry. You can continue to do your laundry as you normally would.
Will schools, aged care facilities and other facilities be provided with bottled water in the meantime?
Yes, we will be providing bottled water. Bottled water has been provided to Featherston School and St. Teresa's School.
Will water trucks be supplied if the Boil Water Notice goes on for longer than a week?
Yes, water trucks will be deployed if the Boil Water Notice goes on for longer than a week.