Auckland’s Herald Island under boil water notice after E. coli alert

Watercare has issued a precautionary boil water notice for residents of an Auckland island after a sample tested positive for E. coli.

Chief operations officer Mark Bourne said the notice for Herald Island, in the Upper Waitematā Harbour, was in place to protect public health.

“While the other results from this routine sample were completely normal, we are taking a careful and precautionary approach,” he said late last night.

“We’re asking Herald Island residents to boil their tap water before use while we complete further testing.”

Bourne said additional testing carried out yesterday afternoon showed normal chlorine levels at several points across the local supply zone.

“That result is reassuring, but public health is our priority.

“Issuing a boil water notice is the right step while we wait for further E. coli test results.”

These would be available today, he added.

The island’s 271 properties should use boiled tap water or bottled water for drinking, cleaning, making ice, washing dishes and preparing food “until further notice”.

Boiling water once in an electric kettle is enough to kill bacteria.

Watercare said the boil water notice only applied to Herald Island.

“A valve at the entrance to the island ensures water flows in a single direction, meaning there is no risk to the wider Auckland water supply.

“A water station has been established at the Herald Island Community Hall at 57 Ferry Parade, where residents can collect free bottled water.”

An update is expected to be provided this afternoon.

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