Pongakawa and Paengaroa residents experienced rashes and burning sensations on their skin and sore stomachs and puffy eyes after drinking water with higher than normal pH levels.
Western Bay of Plenty District Council issued a warning of higher than normal pH levels in water coming from council mains affecting properties in Pongakawa and Paengaroa yesterday.
During this time council received 20 calls from residents near Wilson Rd South and Arawa Rd who had noticed changes to their water.
A handful of residents reported skin reactions such as rashes and feeling burning sensations, while others reported having sore stomachs and puffy eyes or that the water felt slimy.
Properties in Paengaroa and Pongakawa were flushed and tested and all drinking water was now back within the recommended pH levels from NZ drinking water standards.