Testing shows elevated nitrate levels in Gore water supply
The Gore District Council is advising residents connected to the Gore township water supply not to drink tap water after routine water testing detected a nitrate level slightly above the Maximum Acceptable Value (MAV) for drinking water as set out in the Drinking Water Standards for New Zealand.
General Manager Critical Services Jason Domigan said a monthly sample showed an increase of nitrate in the water supply above usual levels.
“This prompted us to take an additional sample from the treatment plant this morning, which detected a nitrate level of 11.4 mg/L. The Maximum Acceptable Value (MAV) is 11.3 mg/L,” he said.
This exceedance has been confirmed by accredited laboratory testing, and the Council has notified Taumata Arowai, the national drinking water regulator, and the Southern District Health Board, as required.
Elevated nitrate levels can affect infants under six months and pregnant women.
“While the health risk to the general population from this minor exceedance is low, as a precaution, we advise all households to avoid using tap water for drinking purposes until further notice. This includes for drinking, food preparation, and brushing teeth.”
Water can still be used for washing, toilets, showers and baths, though care should be taken when bathing young children. Animals have a higher tolerance to nitrate so owners can decide if they want to give their pets water from the tap, he said.
Boiling the water does not remove nitrates and may increase concentrations.
In the interim, four water tankers to supply free drinking water will be at the following locations this evening:
- Eccles Street playground
- Hokonui Drive by the Fire Station
- Grace Church in Hamilton Street
- Wentworth Street outside the East Gore School
- Gore Trout Statue
The Council have begun pumping water from the Mataura River into the Coopers Well bore field to dilute the nitrate concentration to below the MAV, he said.
Multiple samples will be collected once pumping has begun to confirm that nitrate levels are back below the MAV. Results from these samples are expected by late Saturday, 19 July 2025.
However, Council staff will also need to undertake sampling from parts of the water supply network to ensure water is safe to consume before the notice can be removed.
It is hoped that testing tomorrow morning will confirm that the situation has been resolved, he said.
“We’ll keep the community informed of developments via Facebook, Antenno and on our website,” he said.
“We understand this may cause concern and thank the community for their understanding and cooperation. Ensuring the safety of your drinking water remains our highest priority,” Mr Domigan said.
If you have a compromised immune system or any health issues, please contact Healthline on 0800 611 116
For regular updates, please visit www.goredc.govt.nz/waterupdates or contact [email protected] or 03 209 0330.
