3.00pm
Masterton will be boiling its water for at least another 11 days after the latest delay in clearing the town's polluted water supply from the potentially fatal diarrhoea-bug cryptosporidium.
A boil-water warning has been in place since August 7 when the parasite was discovered in routine testing.
The warning is now expected to be lifted by October 13 at the earliest. It had first been expected to be lifted by the end of September, then October 6, then October 8.
Getting the water supply back to normal has been a stop-start affair with the latest problem seeing potentially untreated water used to flush parts of the urban water system last weekend, meaning the system will have to be reflushed with clean water.
After some further adjustments required at the water treatment plant, Masterton District Council has decided it is necessary to flush all areas of the town's water supply system for a second time. This process is due to start today and should be competed by Sunday.
As well as continuing to boil their water, residents are being asked to have sufficient water set aside in case their supply is interrupted during the flushing programme. They are also advised not to wash clothes during the flushing in case of discoloration.
There have been three confirmed cases of cryptosporidiosis in Masterton since the discovery of the water contamination, although the council and the medical officer of health, Stephen Palmer, say there may have been other risk factors in at least two of the people.
Cryptosporidium is a potentially fatal parasite that can cause diarrhoea, headaches, fever cramping and possibly vomiting.
- WAIRARAPA TIMES-AGE (MASTERTON)
Masterton will be boiling water for a further 11 days
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