Another council is coming to the aid of Hastings District, to help treat Havelock North's water following its contamination.
Two ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection plants used to treat water are on their way to Hawke's Bay, after being designed and constructed by Auckland Council organisation Watercare for the Hastings District Council.
They are part of the council's work to resolve the water contamination issue. Yesterday it was announced there would be public meetings held next week, updating the community on how the council is fixing the water supply, the investigation, the recovery plan and to answer any questions.
The UV plants will treat water by removing contaminants which can make people ill. The treatment is low-cost, and produces no chemical by-products.
Council water services manager Brett Chapman said Watercare's help was "of their own volition".
"It's an extremely generous offer ... we're in a crisis situation and any assistance is greatly appreciated." Watercare service delivery general manager Shayne Cunis said they had the expertise and resources to offer, and were more than happy to help.
"We believe, in an emergency situation, we need to pull together," he said.
"The issue is not about cost, it's about ensuring safe and reliable drinking water reaches those that need it. This is what we do and our staff wanted to do this to help Havelock North."
Initially, the system was to be put in place at the Hikanui Drive reservoir in Havelock North, but as the suburb was now receiving water from Hastings the plant would be moved to the Brookvale Bores.
"At the Hikanui reservoir, [the plant] isn't going to provide the benefit that we need for the whole bore system," Mr Chapman said, as only clean Hastings water would now be running through it.
The council are currently in the process of switching water supplies.
The alternative plan, to put the UV system at the bores, meant the plant would be in place as a contingency if the bores were put back into use - ensuring any water would be treated, and meet drinking water standards.
Mr Chapman said he did not know when the bores or the UV plant would be operational, however the team sent from Auckland would be working with council staff on how to overcome any issues.
Hastings District mayor Lawrence Yule said the UV treatment could be a longer-term option, if it was decided not to continue chlorination of the Hastings and Havelock North water after a three-month period.
The latest household telephone survey indicated more than 4700 people, about one-third of Havelock North residents, had been affected by the gastro outbreak.
There are still seven people in Hawke's Bay Hospital with campylobacter, including one patient in the Intensive Care Unit who needed further care for an unrelated medical issue.
Confirmed cases of campylobacter were now 194, with 366 probable cases, taking it to a total of 560. The numbers of people visiting General Practices are continuing to fall.