Don’t worry: Water is safe enough to drink

‘‘All water supplies are independently tested at least every 10 days for E. coli, in addition to the filtration and chlorine used.’’

The Matamata-Piako district’s water goes through a series of processes to make sure it’s safe for you to drink.

After screening and filtration all major water supplies use chlorine to disinfect the water by binding and rupturing any potentially harmful microorganisms.

Chlorine goes on destroying any bugs long after the water has left the treatment plant, protecting your water while in the pipes.

Pathogens are very sensitive to chlorine so a lot doesn’t need to be used.

The chlorine dosage is continuously monitored at the water treatment plant and daily samples are taken from the pipes in town.

For the smaller supply at Te Aroha West, an ultraviolet lamp (UV) is used to sterilize the water.

Chlorine and UV are the most cost efficient way to treat small water supplies, like those in the Matamata-Piako district.

All water supplies are independently tested at least every 10 days for E. coli, in addition to the filtration and chlorine used. There isone day of treated water stored at major supplies in case of emergency.

Regular maintenance and checks are done to ensure pipes and tanks are in good condition and old pipes are replaced continuously.