Latest update as of 9am Thursday, 19 February, 2026:
Boil water notice for Rūātoki lifted
Boil water notice is no longer in place for Rūātoki.
The UV water treatment system is now operating effectively following the recent heavy rain, and the water supply is once again safe to drink without boiling.
We appreciate the patience and cooperation of Rūātoki residents during this time.
Please note: if further heavy rain occurs, the boil water notice may need to be reinstated. We encourage residents to check this website for the latest updates.
For more information, please contact Whakatāne District Council on 07 306 0500 or visit our Contact Us page.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to keep our community safe.
- What to do if a boil water notice is in place
During heavy rainfall, the Rūātoki Water Treatment Plant’s ultraviolet (UV) treatment system is unable to operate effectively. The rainfall causes increased turbidity (cloudiness) in the water supply, which prevents the UV system from fully neutralising harmful bacteria and viruses.
As a result, a Boil Water Notice is put in effect for all residents of Rūātoki.
What you need to do during a boil water notice:
- Boil all water for at least 3 minutes before using it for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, or preparing food.
- If using an electric kettle or jug, you may need to boil the water twice to reach this duration.
During a boil water notice the Council regularly tests the water around the water pipe network. The water is safe to use as long as it is boiled first. The notice stays in place until the water is confirmed safe to drink without boiling.
For updates, please check this page (www.whakatane.govt.nz/boil-water-notice-ruatoki), or our Facebook page.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to keep our communities safe.
- What is the long-term solution?
The Council has been trialling a new membrane and micro‑filter system offline for potential future use at the Rūātoki water supply pump station. The purpose of this system is to help reduce turbidity (cloudiness) in the water supply, particularly during heavy rain events. The trials have been going well so far.
These filters work by physically removing fine particles and sediment from the water to improve overall water quality. They do need to be replaced periodically. This work forms part of the Council’s ongoing efforts to improve drinking water quality in the area and could be implemented in the future, following the planned plant upgrade outlined below.
Until a new water treatment plant is built and the new filter system is fully implemented, boil water notices will continue to be required during and after heavy rain events, when turbidity levels increase.
Looking ahead, funding has been set aside in the Council’s Long Term Plan to build a new water treatment plant in Rūātoki. This would support the use of the new filter system mentioned above. The Council is currently working with stakeholders on this plan and expects to begin investigating construction from late 2026.
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Media release: Update on Rūātoki drinking water supply, Wednesday 25 Feb 2026.