Whakatāne District Council is continuing to respond to and monitor Murupara’s boil water notice.

Council General Manager Infrastructure Bevan Gray said staff are doing tests at the Murupara pump station to narrow down where contamination has entered the water supply.

“Tests have shown that the contamination is unlikely to have been introduced in our pipe network and at this stage it appears to have come from the water source itself,” he said.

“Murupara’s water is artesian, coming from two bores. Initial testing indicates the e-coli could be coming from one or both bores.”

Further testing yesterday confirmed elevated levels of e-coli from samples collected throughout the town. Council needs at least three consecutive days of clear testing results before the water boil notice can be lifted.

To further support the community, Council will be bringing in a water tanker this afternoon to provide water to the town. It will be sited near the Four Square over the weekend then moved to the Murupara Area School.

“We know for some people boiling water to drink will be too difficult, Murupara’s health is front of mind for us at this time,” said Mr Gray.

“At this stage we haven’t received any formal reports of people becoming ill, although we have heard anecdotal reports from some in the community.

“We strongly advise people with symptoms to see their doctor as they can then be tested, and their illness traced back to either the water or something else like novovirus which has similar symptoms.

“The community is also advised to call Healthline on 0800 611 116.”