Water Notice

The Gore District Council advises Gore residents not to drink water from their taps after testing showed higher than usual levels of nitrate. Mataura and those on different water schemes are not affected.

This follows routine testing detecting nitrate level of 11.4 mg/L, slightly above the Maximum Acceptable Value (MAV) of 11.3 mg/L for drinking water as set out in the Drinking Water Standards for New Zealand.

What this means for you?

While the health risk to the general population 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.

Parents with infants aged under six months and pregnant women are urged to be extra careful.

If you have a compromised immune system or any health issues please contact Healthline on 0800 611 116

Boiling the water does not remove nitrates and may increase concentrations.

Actions Being Taken

The Council have begun pumping water from the Mataura River into the Cooper's Well field to dilute the Nitrate concentration to below the MAV.

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 tomorrow (Saturday 19 July}. 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.

Where to get free drinking water

In the interim, five water tankers will be located at the following locations over the weekend. Please bring your own container.

• Eccles Street Playground
• Hokonui Drive by the fire station
• Grace Church on Hamilton Street
• Wentworth Street outside East Gore School
• Gore Trout

Water can still be used for washing, toilets, showers and baths (though care should be taken for young children who may consume some water while bathing).

Animals have a higher tolerance to nitrate but discretion is advised.