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Dead animals found in a Banks Peninsula reservoir can mean Akaroa and Takamatua residents have to boil their water for weeks.
Several small dead animals were found earlier this week in a Banks Peninsula reservoir.
Photo: 123RF
The Christchurch City Council said several dead small animals were found in the reservoir Tuesday during a routine check.
The tests confirmed that there was enough chlorine in the water to kill the bacteria, but there was still a possible risk of protozoa that the chlorine would not kill.
The health medical official said that water used for drinking, preparing food, washing utensils, brushing teeth or ice should be boiled until further notice.
The council said staff were working on a way to divert the reservoir so it could be emptied and cleaned.
“Until that happens, the boil water notice will remain in place,” said Three Waters Acting Director Adam Twose.
“Boiling the water is enough to kill the insects. If you can’t boil the water, then bottled water is the only other option.”
Routine tests are carried out three times a week in the area.
