UPDATE: NPDC has lifted the boil water notice for Bell Block and The Links, but it remains for New Plymouth Airport while water sampling continues.
Nearby rural properties on trickle-feed and properties along Airport Drive can also continue to use their water as usual.
NPDC tested water samples from eight sites throughout Bell Block and four sites at New Plymouth Airport yesterday, and all have come back clear.
“The boil water notice applies only on the airport side of the airport’s gates. It’s a precautionary measure while we continue testing for the next two days – if the samples continue to come back clear of E. coli, we’ll lift the notice there on Sunday evening,” says NPDC Manager Three Waters Amy Quattlebaum.
“This cautious approach is standard practice and allows time for further testing to ensure drinking water remains safe.”
For now, a water tanker will remain on-site at the airport to provide drinking water to airport customers and visitors.
“Thank you to everyone in Bell Block and The Links for their patience during the precautionary boil water notice period. E. coli can be pretty nasty for vulnerable people and it was great to see locals sharing information and supporting each other yesterday while we gathered more information,” says Amy.
The cause of yesterday’s positive test is still under investigation.
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All residents and businesses in the Bell Block/The Links area are advised to boil water before using it for drinking or washing teeth until further notice. This follows a water sample near New Plymouth Airport testing positive for E. coli.
“We’re taking a precautionary approach until further testing confirms whether there is contamination, which is a standard public health measure taken in consultation with Taumata Arowai, our water regulator,” says NPDC Manager Three Waters Amy Quattlebaum.
“In the meantime it’s important that people in the area of Bell Block and The Links boil the water they intend to use for drinking, brushing their teeth, washing dishes and preparing food. It’s okay to boil up a batch of water and store it until it’s needed.”
This advice remains in place until further notice. Updates will be available on npdc.govt.nz and via the Antenno app.
Coffee machines do not heat water to a high enough temperature to kill E. coli, so the Council recommends they are not used until the boil water notice is lifted.
E. coli can cause stomach cramps, diarrhoea and vomiting, and can be especially bad for the young, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.
NPDC is providing a water tanker at Hickford Park car park from this afternoon. It will available 24/7; please bring your own clean containers.
Please note that the water supply in other areas of New Plymouth District is not affected.
