Homeowner taking legal action against council for wrecked hot water cylinder

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

Michael Neilson’s hot water cylinder failed due to chlorine added to Christchurch's water – and he now wants the city council to foot the $2000 bill.

The council has already conceded chlorine was one of the factors that caused a spate citywide hot water cylinder failures, which began in 2018 and have continued until now. Neilson’s cylinder failed in August.

One manufacturer has estimated as many as 12,000 cylinders have failed since the chlorination of the city’s water. Continue reading here.

More messages from your neighbours

The Summer Kiwi Quiz is back by popular demand

Summer Kiwi Quiz - 2026

Grab a copy of your local Stuff newspaper between 1 Jan - 28 Jan and participate in the Summer Kiwi Quiz! Test your knowledge, answer the daily New Zealand based questions, and find out how well you know our beautiful country!

Each correct answer will get you one entry into the draw to WIN 1 of 5 Ooni Karu 2 Portable Pizza Oven bundles, valued at $1024! Each bundle includes: an Ooni Karu 2 Multi-Fuel Portable Pizza Oven, Ooni Karu 2 Carry Cover, Ooni 12" Perforated Peel, Ooni Digital Infrared Thermometer and an Ooni Cookbook: Cooking with Ooni. The more answers you enter correctly, the higher your chance of winning. For more information and to submit your answers, click here

The Team at Stuff Enter Here