Temporary chlorination for Riccarton water
Water in parts of Riccarton and Addington is being temporarily chlorinated.
It comes after regular testing revealed the presence of several total coliforms, an indicator of bacterial contamination.
The indicator bacteria are not harmful, but their presence showed there was a
pathway for other contaminants, such as E coli, to get into the supply.
Christchurch City Council head of three waters Helen Beaumont said the chlorination began on Thursday as a precautionary measure while investigations were done to determine the root cause of the contamination.
“Being able to quickly activate chlorination when there is an actual or potential contamination event is an important part of our water safety toolkit," she said in a statement.
“Ongoing testing will be carried out to help us understand the cause of contamination, and to ensure the chlorine is doing its job. A low level of chlorine will be remain in place while we carry out work to assess any ongoing risk to the water supply."
Beaumont said people in Riccarton and parts of Addington may smell or taste chlorine in their water.
The chlorine was harmless but if residents were concerned about the taste, they could keep drinking water in a jug in the fridge. The chlorine taste would dissipate naturally over a few hours.
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”
We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?
Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.
-
41.7% Yes
-
33.5% Maybe?
-
24.8% No
Some Choice News!
Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.
Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.
Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?
Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!
Loading…