As the most likely cause of the lead in the drinking water was from private pipes and fittings, it’s important residents flush their taps every day.
The drinking water that comes from our network supply is safe. However, metals such as lead can leach from your pipes and fittings into the water if it’s been sitting for a while, such as overnight.
The Ministry of Health notes that taps are the main source of heavy metals found in drinking water in most houses, and advises flushing a small volume of water – about 500ml – from the cold tap before you use water for drinking, cooking or brushing your teeth. You should also run a cold tap for about 30 seconds each morning, to flush out the water sitting in your pipes overnight.
This flushing should reduce the risk of drinking water containing metals.
This is all that most people need to do, but longer flushing is advised in a few situations, such as if your building has large diameter pipes, is located a long way from the road or has high-risk fittings.
If you think this might apply to you, please go to flushing for specific sites page for specific advice.
The need to flush taps daily is a key message for all residents around the country and overseas, not just Waikouaiti, Karitane and Hawksbury Village and the rest of Dunedin.
Flushing for specific sites