Thursday target for tap water
Thousands of residents and workers on the Kelvin Heights water supply could be able to drink water straight from the tap by Thursday morning.
Queenstown Lakes District Council is aiming to lift the boil water notice for Kelvin Heights, Frankton, Quail Rise and Hanley's Farm, after continued positive engagement with the water services regulator, Taumata Arowai.
Over the weekend, the council provided a plan to Taumata Arowai detailing how it will isolate the plant from the main Queenstown supply.
Infrastructure general manager Tony Avery says the council is now completing the final processes to meet the requirements.
"We began flushing the supply from Kelvin Heights yesterday morning in addition to continued monitoring and sampling," he says.
"Initial results after flushing should be back on Wednesday. Assuming the results are clear, in line with our expectations, we will then be in a position to agree ending the boil water notice for those residents and businesses served by this particular local supply.
"I would emphasise that this measure will only apply to the Kelvin Heights water supply that extends into Frankton; we’ve produced a map so people can see the exact boundary."
All other parts of Queenstown currently affected by the boil water notice, including the CBD, Queenstown hill and Fernhill, still need to abide by the current restrictions.
"However, everyone in the district should continue to maintain good hand hygiene to minimise the risk of secondary infection.”
There are 60 confirmed cases of cryptosporidium, 15 probable cases, and 12 under investigation. A source of infection has yet to be identified.
Avery pointed out that no variation of the compliance order was required at this stage.
"There has been a massive effort from Council staff and contractors to get to this point. I would like to thank everyone involved as we continue our work to meet the requirements of Taumata Arowai’s order.
"We will keep updating the community about when we expect to lift the boil water notice for everyone. In the meantime, huge thanks to residents, visitors and local businesses for your patience and for abiding by the requirements of the notice."
Advice from Te Whatu Ora to minimise the risk of secondary infection:
- Wash your hands with lots of soap and water for at least 20 seconds and then dry them thoroughly on a clean towel.
- Do not rely on hand sanitizer as this is not effective against cryptosporidium
- If someone in your household has cryptosporidiosis, ensure all surfaces, including door handles, are cleaned regularly with a cleaning product that contains hydrogen peroxide. Chlorine based products do not work against cryptosporidium and bleach-based products are not as effective
What to do if you have symptoms
If you live or work in the Queenstown area, currently are visiting or have visited since 18 August and are experiencing these symptoms, please call your family doctor or Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free advice from a registered nurse 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
Current map of boil notice affected area, which be reduced on Thursday
