Water quality issues addressed

The Whakatāne District Council is taking action to address water quality issues affecting Whakatane and Ohope consumers.

The Council’s Manager Utilities, Santha Agas, says consumers may have noticed a slight ‘earthy’ taste in the drinking water supplied through the Ōhope and Whakatāne water supply schemes. “The current dry conditions have reduced the Whakatāne River flow, and combined with relatively high water temperatures, that has led to a significant increase in algae levels,” he explains. “To combat that, we have increased the level of water treatment being undertaken, which should minimise any taste and odour issues.”

Mr Agas assures consumers that the water supply is safe to drink. “Our water supply is chlorinated and UV-treated and complies fully with New Zealand’s Drinking Water Standards. In conjunction with the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, we will continue to monitor river conditions and algae levels while the dry spell continues.”

He says the Council is also monitoring river water salinity to guard against salt water intrusion into the treatment system during very high tide/low river flow conditions. If necessary, the water supply can be drawn from further upriver.