Christchurch boil water notice: Bacteria found in eastern suburbs’ supply not E.coli

An urgent notice has been issued to residents in east Christchurch to boil their water until further notice after samples showed bacteria “contamination”.

An alert has been sent to hundreds of cellphones and posted on Christchurch City Council social media.

This afternoon a council spokesperson gave further information on the type of bacteria found.

The alert sent to people's phones in parts of Christchurch.

“As part of our normal sample programme, we test for E.coli and total coliforms,” she said.

“The sample showed no E.coli was present, just Total Coliforms.

“Total coliforms are a group of bacteria commonly found in the environment, and their presence in the water network serves as an indicator of potential contamination and the possible existence of harmful pathogens.”

“We are not aware of anyone presenting as sick.”

The spokesperson confirmed the issue was contained.

“There is no risk to the rest of Christchurch. The notice solely applies to the Rawhiti Zone,” she assured

The notice was published around 1pm.

“Residents and visitors to areas of New Brighton, Burwood, Wainoni, Aranui and Southshore are being advised to boil their water until further notice after a sample within the zone was found to be contaminated,” it said.

“Testing in the area showed the presence of bacteria in drinking water which means it is unsafe to drink.

“All water used for drinking, food preparation, utensil washing, brushing teeth or making ice should be boiled until further notice.”

A map of the affected area. Photo / CCC

The council assured residents that staff and contractors are in the area undertaking further testing and investigations are under way to understand the cause of the contamination.

“Until we have further information the boil water notice will remain in place,” it said.

“Bringing water to the boil is sufficient to kill bugs. If you can’t boil your water then bottled water is the only other option.”

The council said the text alerts went to residents’ cellphones but would also be received by people travelling into the affected areas.

“Residents are encouraged to share the message with their neighbours,” it said.

“The boil water notice will be in place until further notice.”

One resident shopping in New World Stanmore said people were flooding into the drinks aisle to buy bottled water.

They said customers could be heard openly discussing the boil water notice.

Customers in New World Stanmore have been stocking up on bottled water.