Lower Waihao Rural Water Scheme - increased nitrate levels detected

06 August, 2022

LOWER WAIHAO RURAL WATER SCHEME USERS (INCLUDING WAIKAKAHI EAST) – INCREASED NITRATE LEVELS DETECTED IN WATER SUPPLY

Elevated nitrate levels near 50mg/L of Nitrate NO3 (MAV) have been detected at the source of the water supply following recent weather events and are likely to rise further. These have the potential to cause health issues, with an increased level of risk to pregnant woman and infants under six months of age. The risk to a healthy adult is low but caution is advised.

Please note, the usual method of boiling of water does not remove nitrates.

To ensure safe drinking water is available to all Lower Waihao Water Scheme users, water tanks will be placed at the following two locations, with the water available today from 4.30pm.

• Glenavy Hall, SH 1, Glenavy
• Morven Hall, MacLean Street, Morven

Until nitrate concentrations return to compliant levels, it is advised to access drinking water from the locations above. Council continuously monitors nitrates within the supply to ensure that prolonged exposure is managed.

It is important to note the rise in nitrate levels is primarily due to environmental factors and recent weather events. This is not due to a failure of the water scheme itself.

Due to the nature of this event, Council is unable to confirm a timeframe for the nitrate concentrates to return to previous levels, but will monitor the situation closely and advise of any developments. Stay tuned to Council’s Facebook page for updates or head to the Council website www.waimatedc.govt.nz.

To learn more about the implications of nitrates in a drinking water supply go to www.health.govt.nz/your-health/healthy-living/drinking-water/nitrate-drinking-water.