Previous updates

More tests needed to confirm source of bacteria

Daily sampling of the water network supplying Waikouaiti, Karitane and Hawksbury Village has found no further sign of E. coli, but total coliform tests have detected some bacteria, the Dunedin City Council says.

The positive test for E. coli came last week, in a water quality sample taken at Karitane on Thursday, but daily sampling of the network supplying all three communities has detected no further sign of E. coli since then.

However, results from total coliform tests at Waikouaiti on Sunday and Karitane on Wednesday are being investigated to determine the exact type of bacteria found and the associated risk, DCC Group Manager 3 Waters Tom Dyer says.

As a result, the DCC is once again reminding residents the ‘do not drink’ notice remains in place for water supplies to Waikouaiti, Karitane and Hawksbury Village.

Nobody should drink tap water, or use it for food preparation, while the notice remains in force. Water tanks providing safe water remain in all three communities, and residents are urged to continue using them.

Mr Dyer says the source of the E. coli and total coliform results is still being investigated and testing is continuing. Staff and contractors will also be busy over the next few days working to flush the network.

Residents in affected communities can expect to see this work being carried out over the weekend and early next week.

The DCC is working with Public Health South on the issue, and both parties need three days of clear results before being satisfied the water is free of E. coli or coliform bacteria.

We expect to have more information by mid-next week.

The DCC is also still working with PHS towards the lifting of the ‘do not drink’ notice once it is safe to do so.

Daily testing for E. coli continuing

Daily testing for E. coli is continuing across the water network supplying Waikouaiti, Karitane and Hawksbury Village, the Dunedin City Council says.

DCC Group Manager 3 Waters Tom Dyer says results from water quality samples taken on Friday and over the weekend have come back clear of any further sign of E. coli, but more testing is needed over the next few days.

An investigation into the likely source of the E. coli has considered a range of possibilities, but so far no obvious source has been confirmed.

The DCC now expects to have more information later this week.

The separate ‘do not drink’ notice – put in place following the detection of intermittent elevated lead levels – also remains in force for all three communities, Mr Dyer says.

Caution urged after E. coli found in Karitane water supply

The Dunedin City Council is reminding residents the ‘do not drink’ notice remains in place for water supplies to Waikouaiti, Karitane and Hawksbury Village.

The reminder is being issued after water quality test results, received today, detected E. coli in the drinking water network at Karitane which is an indication of microbial contamination.

The E. coli has been detected as part of our ongoing water quality testing regime.

DCC 3 Waters Group Manager Tom Dyer says nobody in Karitane is supposed to be drinking tap water, or using it for food preparation, while the ‘do not drink’ notice remains in force.

If any residents are not following the notice, the E. coli result underscores the need for residents in all three communities to comply with the ‘do not drink’ notice, Mr Dyer says.

Water tanks remain available in all three communities, and residents are urged to continue using them. Water from these tanks remains safe to use.

Only one positive result for E. coli has been returned, at Karitane. At this stage it’s too early to say what the cause is and further testing will continue over the weekend.

We expect to have more information early next week.

The safety of our communities is our top priority. We are working with Public Health South and other experts to understand what caused the elevated levels.

We are still sampling daily at some sites and weekly at others. We have had no further readings above acceptable levels since 20 January.

We are still working towards the lifting of the ‘do not drink’ notice by the end of June, but it is possible this timeline may be extended into early July. The lifting of the notice requires all parties to be confident that the restoration of the supply does not present any risks for the communities.

As part of the work to try to find the cause, we’ve made some improvements, such as bringing forward pipe replacement work. We’re going to do other upgrades sooner too.

Work to replace drinking water pipes in Edinburgh Street and surrounding streets is largely complete and due to be finished later this month. In some side streets, pipes have been laid above-ground as an interim measure to ensure safe water is available as soon as possible. These will be buried in July.

Planning for the Waikouaiti water treatment plant upgrade is underway and currently in the early stages of development and design. We expect the work to be started in mid-2022 and to be completed by early 2023.

An independent reviewer/s will be appointed to conduct the DCC review following the lifting of the ‘do not drink’ notice, as per the review’s terms of reference. (PDF File, 39 KB | New window).

A public meeting was held at the East Otago Events Centre in Waikouaiti on 10 March to update the community on blood test results and investigations to determine the source of the intermittent elevated lead levels in the local water supply.

The DCC presentation given at the meeting can be found here (PDF, 1060.45 KB)

A video of the meeting can be found here.

A public meeting was held at the East Otago Events Centre in Waikouaiti at 7pm Friday night to discuss the drinking water issue facing Waikouaiti and Karitane.

Video of the meeting courtesy of the Southern District Health Board -  Public meeting - Lead and your health (opens new window, external website)

Please note for Deaf viewers, the sign language interpreter comes into shot at 19.19

Dunedin (Wednesday, 3 February 2021) – The Dunedin City Council is providing more information on the events which led to yesterday’s issuing of advice to Waikouaiti and Karitane residents to not use tap water for drinking, cooking or preparing food until further notice.

DCC Infrastructure Services General Manager Simon Drew says it is important for residents to understand the notice has been issued as a precaution based on public health advice.

Mr Drew says that six samples out of 90 taken over the past six months have returned results with elevated levels of lead. The first of these was received on 13 August 2020. After a verification test, and consultation with our independent drinking water assessor, it was determined this was a one-off spike rather than any indication of a widespread issue. Regular sampling continued and at that stage, there was no evidence of continuing elevated levels of lead in the water.

Of the six results with elevated lead levels, four were recorded at the Waikouaiti Golf Club – near the end of the supply line – one at the Karitane Bowls Club, and one at the Waikouaiti raw water reservoir. No elevated results were recorded at a sample site on the main street of Waikouaiti.

Any decision to issue a no-drink-notice is made based on expert public health advice.

All of the results with elevated lead levels received by the DCC were sent to our independent drinking water assessor (contracted by the Ministry of Health) and decisions made in consultation with them.

The key result that led to the no-drink-notice being issued was from a sample taken at the Waikouaiti reservoir on 20 January. The sample result was received by the DCC on 29 January and forwarded to the drinking water assessor.

On 1 February 2021, Public Health South called a meeting to discuss the appropriate course of action. That meeting took place on the morning of 2 February 2021, and we received advice from the Medical Officer of Health that all consumers on the water supply should be advised not to use tap water for drinking, cooking or preparing food until further notice. We acted on that advice immediately and put a range of measures in place to inform residents and provide safe drinking water.

The DCC carries out all water sampling required under the national drinking water standards, set by central government. In addition, to maintain safer drinking water, the Ministry of Health, the DCC and all other councils regularly remind all residents to run water from all drinking taps and filters for a few minutes each day to remove any metal traces such as lead from plumbing fittings.

In July last year, the DCC began taking additional samples of the Waikouaiti/Karitane water supply for asset management purposes, namely to check how corroded the pipe network was. This sampling was undertaken at four sites – the Waikouaiti Water Treatment Plant, Waikouaiti township, Waikouaiti Golf Club and the Karitane Bowls Club – and was not expected to detect elevated levels of lead.

A result from the Waikouaiti Golf Club received on 13 August showed elevated lead levels. This is not completely uncommon, as lead can occur in water due to corrosion of old pipe fittings and private plumbing fixtures.

On receiving the results, we notified our independent drinking water assessor and put in place an increased sampling and ‘pipe flushing’ plan. Flushing helps to remove metal traces from pipes. In consultation with the drinking water assessor, this action was considered appropriate until more data could be gathered.

During the next 14 weeks, lead tested well below the acceptable limits, except for one result at the Waikouaiti Golf Club on 9 October 2021. This trend indicated that the result received on 13 August may have been an isolated incident at a localised point on the network.

The next result which returned elevated levels of lead was from samples taken on 8 December 2020 at the Waikouaiti Golf Club and Karitane Bowls Club.

Sample results take around 10 days from the day of sampling. Therefore, the results of the 8 December samples were emailed from the lab to the DCC on 18 December 2020.

Unfortunately, because this sampling had been for asset management purposes rather than for drinking water standards monitoring, the email was sent to an inbox not being monitored while the staff member was on leave.

We realise this will be of little comfort to Waikouaiti/Karitane residents. We have made an immediate change to our operational procedures to ensure that lab results which exceed safe drinking water guidelines, regardless of the intended purpose of the sampling, are sent to an inbox that is frequently monitored. We have also put a procedure in place to ensure that the lab actively flags to us results which exceed safe drinking water guidelines.

When staff picked up the results on 7 January 2021, we notified the independent drinking water assessor. Again, the expert advice we received was that more sampling and investigation was required to determine the extent of the issue. Public Health South concluded that public notification was not yet required.

The most recent sample to indicate high levels of lead was taken at the Waikouaiti raw water reservoir (at the Waikouaiti Water Treatment Plant) on 20 January 2021. We received this result on 29 January and again notified the independent drinking water assessor (contracted by the Ministry of Health).

The result at the Waikouaiti raw water reservoir was the first time we had received results showing elevated lead levels at the water source.

On 2 February 2021, we received advice from the Medical Officer of Health that all consumers on the water supply should be advised not to use tap water for drinking, cooking or preparing food until further notice. We acted on that advice immediately and put a range of measures in place to inform residents and provide safe drinking water.

Detailed information regarding test results will be made available on the DCC website www.dunedin.govt.nz once it is available

General

What happened?

Intermittent elevated lead levels were detected at two drinking water sampling sites in the community and at the raw water reservoir during recent sampling.

The sampling was being undertaken as part of an asset management investigation, rather than drinking water standards monitoring. We were not expecting these unusual results, but they warrant a precautionary approach. Subsequent water samples have not shown elevated levels of lead.

As a result, the Southern DHB’s Medical Officer of Health has recommended that, as a precaution, households not use tap water for drinking, cooking or preparing food while the source of contamination is investigated.

How did this happen?

The source of the lead is under investigation as it is unclear at this stage.

What did the DCC do when it found out about the problem?

DCC advised Public Health South who then issued advice that tap water should not be drunk or used in cooking or baby food preparation.

How did the DCC tell people about the water notice?

The DCC issued the water notice on Tuesday 2 February. Information was distributed to the public via news media, social media, radio messaging, stakeholder and business networks, phone calls and emails to businesses, organisations and education providers.

Information was hand-delivered to the residential and commercial properties affected by the water notice.

When will it be okay to drink the water?

Investigations continue and we will require clearance from the Drinking Water Assessor and Public Health South.

It may be 2-3 months of further investigations before we can advise further. The water tanks will remain in the community until the local water supply is restored.

What do the water results show?

Between 2 February and 5 March we have conducted 209 tests across the network and results show lead either within acceptable limits or below detectable levels.

When can the water notice be lifted?

The DCC, Drinking Water Assessor and Public Health South will only agree to lift the Do Not Drink notice when we are sure the water is safe to drink.

What do I do when the notice is lifted?

When the water notice is lifted, further advice and information will be provided via our website www.dunedin.govt.nz/water-notice or by calling 03 477 4000.

Why did the DCC replace pipes?  Was this the cause?

Presence of lead joints has been confirmed in older parts of the pipe network.

Pipes are being replaced in the Edinburgh Street area to eliminate pipework as a possible cause of elevated lead levels. This planned work was in the five-year plan, but has been brought forward, and the completion date is estimated to be in June.

The water has always had an odd taste. Can you fix this?

An existing project, the Waikouaiti Water Treatment Plant upgrade, is reviewing options to address the taste and odour some residents have experienced.

Has this happened before?

We are not aware of this occurring before.

How do you know only the area you’ve told us about is affected?

City water supply comes from different areas. Testing continues across all areas of the city and there is no evidence of lead in other DCC supply areas.

Is the DCC doing a review of what’s happened?

Yes, an internal review will be conducted.

What happens now?

Investigations are continuing with extensive additional sampling and monitoring.

DCC continues to work with Public Health South, Otago Regional Council, University of Otago and other experts to understand why there was elevated lead readings.

Additional monitoring equipment is being installed including an online lead monitor which will be installed in April providing test results at regular intervals. This will give advanced notice of any presence of lead in the water source.

All of these actions are being undertaken to work towards getting the water supply back on.

Health

Public Health South has conducted free blood tests for Waikouaiti, Karitane and Hawksbury Village residents.

What do the blood test results show?

Public Health South has advised people in the Waikouaiti, Karitane and Hawksbury Village communities have blood lead levels below notifiable levels and mainly in line with national data, and long-term exposure to lead from the water supply seems unlikely.

Why are we concerned about lead?

People living in industrialised societies like New Zealand have some lead in their bodies. However, some people will develop health problems or lead poisoning if they are exposed to enough lead. Lead can affect a person’s health if they are exposed to lead contamination in what they eat, drink, touch, or breathe.

There are many factors that affect how different people’s bodies handle exposure to lead. These factors include a person’s age, nutritional status, and genetic makeup, as well as the source of lead and length of their exposure.

Lead can accumulate in the body over time, so most often, lead toxicity occurs when someone has been exposed over a long period. Because of this, a cautious approach is being taken by notifying the community as soon as elevated levels have been detected. 

Short-term exposure of very high lead levels may also cause health effects, however please note that high levels have not been consistently detected in the water.

Who is most vulnerable to the effects of lead?

Most lead exposure comes from sources other than water. People who also have other exposures (such as painters, people who work with lead products or use indoor rifle ranges) may be at higher risk. Pregnant women, babies and children up to the age of 6 years are at higher risk.

Young children are at higher risk because they absorb more lead and may be more likely to eat objects containing lead.

Lead can cross from a pregnant mother to her baby, and into breastmilk.

What are the health effects of lead exposure?

Children and babies may not show any symptoms of low-level exposure, but long-term exposure to lead can still be harmful to their development.

The symptoms of lead toxicity in adults include tiredness, memory and sleep problems, headaches, joint pains, as well as nausea, diarrhoea or constipation, stomach pains and weight loss.

Lead toxicity can cause anaemia, kidney problems, neurological problems, higher blood pressure, and can have effects on reproductive functions.

How do I know if I have had significant exposure to lead?

If you are concerned that you or a family member has been exposed to lead, contact your GP for further advice. A blood test can show if there is a detectable blood lead level. Based on the results of the test, actions can be taken to reduce further exposure to lead and connect you to recommended treatment and services.

Visit Southern Health for more information

Ministry of Health report

What did the report say about the DCC’s performance?

The Director General of Health commissioned a review of the health sector response to intermittent elevated lead levels in the Waikouaiti area’s drinking water.

There are 12 recommendations, which mainly relate to health and water regulatory components.

One of the recommendations related to the reporting processes, including the way lead results detected above the maximum acceptable value (MAV) are reported and how these results are communicated.

The Dunedin City Council supports the recommendations highlighted by the review and has already made improvements in its reporting processes.

Link to report https://www.health.govt.nz/system/files/documents/publications/final-report-health-response-into-waikouaiti-water-supply-lead-contamination31mar2021.pdf

When will we be able to drink the local supply again?

Work to reinstate permanent water supplies is continuing, and staff still expect this will be about two months away.

What caused the elevated lead levels?

The investigation into the cause of the elevated lead levels is also continuing, but the exact cause may never be determined. The latest water test results are continuing to come back either clear of any sign of lead, or within acceptable limits.

What are you going to do now?

We continue to work with Public Health South, the Otago Regional Council, the University of Otago and other experts to understand what caused the intermittent elevated lead readings.

Our focus remains on restoring the drinking water supply for the communities.

We have purchased specialist machinery from Belgium that will test for lead every 20 minutes, as water enters Waikouaiti’s water treatment plant. This means we will know immediately if we get elevated lead levels in the water and can respond straight away.

The DCC’s own internal review will now follow. Draft terms of reference and potential candidates to conduct the review will be considered by Councillors at their meeting on 25 May. More details will be released following that.

Water supply

Water tank locations

Water tanks are at 10 locations across the communities so that people have access to clean drinking water. These will remain in the communities until the local water supply is back on. There are NZ Covid Tracer QR codes at all water tank stations. Contact tracing is more important than ever – make sure you scan in using the NZ Covid Tracer app when you collect your water. There is hand sanitiser and wipes at each site. Wipe down the tap and let the tap run for a few seconds before collecting your water. Please also observe physical distancing keeping at least 1 metre apart. It is still safe to use tap water for bathing, washing hands and clothes.

Water tanks are available for filling containers or bottles for drinking and cooking at:

Hawksbury Village

Duncan Avenue, near cheese factory

Karitane

• Community Hall 1381 Coast Road
• Reserve/playground 13 Barvas Street
• Puketeraki Marae 520 Apes Rd

Waikouaiti

• Golden Fleece Hotel Kildare St entrance
• 165 Beach Street (corner Beach and Stewart Streets)
• Camping Ground 186 Beach St
• Waikouaiti School 6 Malloch St
• East Otago Events Centre 203 Main Road
• Waikouaiti Golf Club 210 Edinburgh Street

Please remember to bring your own containers to refill. We recommend people get clean water every 2-3 days.

Remember to clean your water containers as you normally would using dishwashing liquid before you refill at the tank.

I cannot get to the water tank / no car / mobility issues - how will I get water?

Please contact DCC on 03 477 4000 who will be able to arrange a water delivery for you.

Where is the tank water supply coming from?

The tank water is coming from the Dunedin town supply.

Does boiling tap water get rid of the lead?

Boiling water does not remove lead, rather it can increase its concentration in water, so it is important that residents follow the advice and do not drink the water or use it for cooking or preparing food.

Will the DCC be cleaning people’s water tanks?

Once the investigation is complete, we will undertake the necessary actions to ensure people’s water is safe to drink.  This may include testing of individual water tanks if deemed necessary.

Will there be ongoing monitoring and testing?

Yes, we have installed an autosampler on the raw water to test for lead.  We will continue doing sampling in the network in consultation with Public Health South.

An online lead monitor will be installed in April providing test results at regular intervals which will give advanced notice of any presence of lead in the source water.

How can we trust that our water is safe to drink?

The DCC, Drinking Water Assessor and Public Health South will only agree to lift the Do Not Drink notice when we are sure the water is safe to drink.

Home

How do I prepare food and drinks?

Fruits and vegetables should be washed, prepared and cooked using bottled or supplied tank water only. Do not use ice made from tap water.

Is it safe to eat food and vegetables grown locally and watered with the local water supply?

The Ministry for Primary Industries has advised it is safe to eat fruit and vegetables grown locally and watered with the local water supply.

Is it safe to eat local animal products and/or animals drinking water from the local water supply?

Based on the current information received from the DCC, the Ministry for Primary Industries advises there is minimal risk to food safety at this stage. There would need to be longer-term exposure at high lead levels in the water to make animal products such as dairy or eggs unsafe. Lead does not typically build up in muscle tissue (meat such as beef, pork, lamb or poultry) at the levels reported in the water.

What should I do about feeding my baby?

If breastfeeding, continue as usual. If you are using baby formula, prepare using bottled or supplied tank water.

Will DCC supply filters for our taps?

Not at this stage. We are considering household filters as an option along with a number of other potential options. We still have work to do to determine if this will be an effective solution as there are many variables to guarantee the integrity of the filters and that they will work effectively at each property.

Can I wash my dishes?

Yes, you can wash you dishes as you normally would including using your dishwasher.

Can I use my coffee machine, soda machine or ice maker?

Coffee machines, ice makers and soda dispensers connected to the water supply should not be used. Use bottled or supplied tank water for making coffee, ice or soda drinks.

Should I change the way I am doing my laundry?

No, continue doing your laundry the way you usually do.

Can I take a bath or shower?

Yes, you can, but please take care not to get water in your mouth. If you have specific health concerns please call Healthline (0800 611 116) or contact your GP.

What about teeth brushing and shaving?

Only use bottled or supplied tank water for brushing your teeth. You can shave as usual using tap water.

Can I use the water for handwashing?

Yes, you can use tap water for handwashing, bathing, and washing clothes.

Will the DCC be offering rates reductions because of this? Will the DCC pay for costs relating to the water issue?

Dunedin City Council will continue to provide an alternative safe and secure drinking water supply to all residents of Karitane, Waikouaiti and Hawksbury Village, as well as the businesses operating in this area of the network as we continue to investigate the cause.

There is no compensation offered at this stage.

Garden

Can I water vegetable garden, fruit trees, lawns and other plants?

The Ministry for Primary Industries advises it should be fine to use tap water to water any part of your garden. The levels of lead reported in the water tests for Waikouaiti and Karitane have not exceeded the maximum levels for crop irrigation and it is unlikely that water alone would constitute a risk of contaminating home grown fruit and vegetables.

Will the DCC test soil?

No, but if you have concerns about your soil, you may choose to arrange for your soil to be tested.

Animals

What about my animals?

The Ministry for Primary Industries has advised the lead levels detected are well below the levels that might affect animals. If you still have concerns you can contact a specialist vet or animal toxicologist for advice. If you choose to not give your animals tap water you will need to arrange your own alternate supply.

Business

My business has had to throw away product/is losing business. How can I get compensation?

Please call your insurer for advice about your policy.

Will the DCC be offering rates reductions because of this? Will the DCC pay for costs relating to the water issue?

Dunedin City Council will continue to provide an alternative safe and secure drinking water supply to all residents of Karitane, Waikouaiti and Hawksbury Village, as well as the businesses operating in this area of the network as we continue to investigate the cause.

There is no compensation offered at this stage.