Boil Water Notice - West Melton

Matthew Salmons Reporter from Selwyn & Ashburton Outlook

A boil water notice has been issued by the Selwyn District Council after test results showed that E. coli levels were above recommended levels, likely to be as a result of recent heavy rainfall.
E.coli is an organism which can cause health issues. When a boil water notice is in place, the Ministry of Health advises that people should boil or treat all water from taps before drinking, brushing teeth or using it in food preparation. In addition, water used to make ice should also be boiled before freezing.
Bringing water to the boil is sufficient to kill all bugs (water does not require prolonged boiling). Water needs to be boiled even if the smell or taste of chlorine is present. If water cannot be boiled, treat it by adding one teaspoon of household bleach per 10 litres of water and leave for 30 minutes

During boil water notices, employers should also make sure their staff are only consuming boiled or bottled water at work.

Council will continue to monitor the intake and reticulation system and keep residents informed of any updates.