Drinking Water (EXAMPLE)

Studies indicate that drinking water with low concentrations of chlorine does not cause harmful health effects. Its widespread use has been a major factor in reducing illness from waterborne diseases.

If you feel your skin getting dry or ‘itchy’ use moisturiser after having a shower or bath. In a small number of people, chlorine can be an irritant for an existing condition such as asthma or eczema. If you notice increased skin irritation, asthma symptoms or other symptoms – seek medical advice. Even with the small amounts of chlorine used, some people will notice the smell.

You can contact Heathline 24/7 free on 0800 611 116 or your family doctor (GP).

Boil water notices are put in place when people need to boil their tap water before drinking, using it for food preparation or cleaning. This is when bacteria is present, or there is the potential for bacteria to be present in the drinking water.

Water supplied to metropolitan Wellington is described as soft water.

If you have a European dishwasher nothing needs to be added (i.e. softener) before using. Softener needs to be added to dishwashers when using them in Europe due to the minerals and calcium in the water.

No. All of the water supplied by Wellington Water goes directly to local homes and businesses. If you’d like more information on consents to draw and/or bottle water, this is managed by Greater Wellington Regional Council – with information available on their website.

This is because when there is heavy rainfall the water isn't clean enough to use. We have to wait for the dirt and leaves (that have been churned up) in the water to settle before we can use it. By the time the water settles, and is good enough to use, the river may have already receded. Long periods of drizzly rain are best for river supply.

This is why we have to use water from the Waiwhetu aquifer and our storage lakes, to make sure supply meets demand.

The decision to invest in additional storage including reservoirs and lakes sits with our local council owners and the Greater Wellington Regional Council. Investment in increased lake storage at Te Mārua is one of the key actions recommended to councils to help solve the increasing water shortage issue and provide a sustainable water supply for the region.

Babies, young children, the elderly and people who have compromised immune systems are more at risk of illness. If you get diarrhoea, vomiting and/or a fever contact Healthline (0800 611 116) or your doctor.