Frustration over boil water notices
Eketa¯ huna residents cope through eight boil water notices
Since June last year council has had to issue eight boil water notices for Eketa¯huna’s water supply. Council acknowledges the frustration this situation has caused to residents and businesses, and have committed to improving this.
Why are the boil water notices issued?
Council water supplies are regulated by Taumata Arowai and the New Zealand Drinking Water Standards. Water quality limits are set under these standards, and boil water notices are needed when certain parameters cannot be achieved.
According to Mayor Tracey Collis, “Since the Havelock North water crisis in 2016, there has been an increasing focus on the application of NZ Drinking Water Standards.”
In Eketa¯huna’s circumstance, the boil water notices have been issued on a precautionary basis due to the turbidity levels of the water and the impacts this has on UV disinfection.
Essentially, water sourced from the Makakahi River has had higher levels of silt and other particulates than the current water treatment plant can treat — especially after heavy rain. In these situations the post-treatment turbidity levels of around 1.5-2.5 NTU have been higher than the Drinking Water Standard limit of 1 NTU, and the effectiveness of the UV disinfection is compromised.
Chris Chapman, Tararua District Council — group manager infrastructure
says, “This means we cannot guarantee the complete treatment and removal of contaminants and, although no E. coli has been detected in the water and the risk has been low, the boil water notices have been issued on a precautionary basis to protect public health.”
While this isn’t necessarily a new issue impacting Eketahuna’s water, council have increased their application of the NZ Drinking Water Standards.
What is council doing about it?
Council committed to upgrading the Eketa¯ huna water treatment plant, as part of wider treatment plant upgrades across the four main towns, with part funding through central government’s Three Waters Stimulus Fund. The upgrade includes the addition of raw water storage and improved filtration systems, which will reduce the risk of turbidity spikes in the source water from the river and risk of future boil water notices. Construction at the water treatment plant is currently in full swing.
Mayor Tracey says, “Improving our water treatment plants is a key priority for council, to achieve the NZ Drinking Water Standards and improve the quality of services to our communities. The end result of these upgrades will be safer and more reliable water.”
Unfortunately, there have been some delays to this project. In November last year, the initial design for the Eketa¯huna water treatment plant upgrade was amended to further improve the plant’s ability to manage turbid source water during rain events.
A significant increase in scope was required to achieve this, and the associated design, review and approval processes delayed construction works beginning. Subsequent supply chain disruption because of the Covid-19 pandemic delayed the sourcing of some which further pushed out the completion date. The project is planned to be completed by the end of June.
Chris Chapman says, “The delays have been frustrating however council wants to make sure that the project delivers on the expectations of our community. We want to make sure that the upgrades to the treatment plant reduce the risk of further boil water notices being required following the upgrade.”
In addition to the water treatment plant upgrade, council staff have investigated the Makakahi River and identified activities have contributed towards increased levels of turbidity, especially during rain. Further investigation is needed, as well as potential follow up to minimise impacts on the river.
Why was Dannevirke provided a water tanker, but not Eketa¯ huna?
Many people have asked why a water tanker was provided in Dannevirke and not Eketa¯huna. When Cyclone Dovi went through, Dannevirke’s treated water had a turbidity level of over 60 NTU, which is extremely high, whereas Eketa¯huna’s was around 2 NTU. The risk of contaminants in Dannevirke’s water was far greater, hence the tanker.
However, due to the delays with the water treatment plant upgrade and issues recently identified along the river, staff are looking into establishing a tank for temporary water supply during boil water notices likely to occur over the coming months.
Mayor Tracey says, “We are very grateful to everybody putting up with the water woes in Eketa¯ huna. I would also like to thank all those that have helped to conserve water when needed, spread the word to other people, and for being kind and patient when reporting to our customer services.
“I would like to assure you that our teams are working hard to improve the Eketa¯huna water service. We will continue to provide updates on the water treatment plant upgrade to keep you informed.”