UPDATE – 6:00pm, Friday 19 July
The Gore District Council is continuing to advise residents connected to the Gore township water supply to avoid drinking tap water, as nitrate levels remain above the acceptable limit.
General Manager Critical Services Jason Domigan said updated test results received today show a reduction in nitrate levels from the affected Cooper’s Well, but they are still above the Maximum Acceptable Value (MAV) of 11.3mg/L.
“We began pumping water from the Mataura River into the Cooper’s Well field yesterday, and looking at the testing results it looks like this is working. However, there will still be nitrate concentration above the MAV,” Domigan said.
While the health risk remains low for most of the population, residents are advised not to use tap water for drinking, food preparation, or brushing teeth until further notice. Boiling the water or filtering it does not make it safe, and in some cases may worsen the nitrate concentration.
The national drinking water regulator, Taumata Arowai, requires three consecutive days of clear test results before declaring the water safe to drink again.
Tap water is still safe for washing, toilet use, showers and baths. However, care should be taken when bathing young children. Domigan noted animals have a higher tolerance to nitrates, and owners can choose whether to give them tap water.
Precautionary Measures Still in Place – Earlier Statement
Earlier in the day, the Council confirmed the initial nitrate reading from routine testing showed a concentration of 11.4mg/L – slightly over the MAV.
Staff have continued efforts to dilute nitrate levels by flooding the system with water from the Mataura River into Cooper’s Well. Targeted sampling at the East Gore Water Treatment Plant is underway, with further testing planned across the wider network.
Free drinking water remains available at the following locations, with tankers rotating as needed to maintain supply. Residents are reminded to bring their own containers:
- Eccles Street Playground
- Hokonui Drive (near the Fire Station)
- Grace Church, Hamilton Street
- East Gore School, Wentworth Street
- Gore Trout Statue
The Council acknowledged the inconvenience and thanked the community for their understanding. Domigan assured residents the Council would continue to provide updates as soon as new results become available.
Stay Informed
For regular updates, visit www.goredc.govt.nz/waterupdates, follow the Council on Facebook and Antenno, or contact [email protected] / phone 03 209 0330.