Our comprehensive water treatment processes for the Whakatāne and Ōhope water supply remove harmful microorganisms. We continuously monitor this process by taking samples at different points in the water distribution system and at reservoir sites.

Although we maintain our drinking water supply at the required standard, quality issues may arise due to weather conditions and other factors. These issues don’t pose any health concerns, and the water is perfectly safe for consumption.

Dissolved metals

Some plumbing fittings have the potential to allow minute traces of metals to accumulate in water that has been standing in the fittings for several hours.

Although the health risk is small, the Ministry of Health recommends that you flush a mugful of water from your drinking-water tap each morning before use to remove any metals that may have dissolved from plumbing fittings.

The Council recommends this simple precaution for all households, including those on public and private water supplies.

For more information visit the Drinking Water Precautions (Plumbosolvency) section.

Cloudy appearance

When tap water appears cloudy or milky, it’s usually because of fine air bubbles dissolved in the water. This can happen when cold water becomes warmer. It may also occur when maintenance work has been done on the water main close to your property, resulting in trapped air in the piping network. Air bubbles will simply dissolve if you leave your glass of water to stand for five minutes.

Odour/taste

Musty

The Whakatāne and Ōhope water schemes draw water from the Whakatāne River, treated at our treatment plant on Valley Road. Untreated river water is slightly musty in odour and taste, and this varies seasonally.

Our water treatment process removes most of this natural mustiness, and it’s rarely detectable in cold tap water. However, it may occasionally be noticeable during warm, summer months, when plant and algae growth in the river is higher.

If you are sensitive to musty odour/taste, keep a jug of fresh, cold tap water in the refrigerator for drinking and cooking. You can also use carbon filters to remove mustiness, but these filters must be carefully maintained.

Chlorine

Whakatāne District water treatment plants use chlorine to destroy harmful microorganisms. The presence of residual chlorine is necessary to ensure water is safe to drink at the farthest point in the system. Chlorine smell can be generated from water coming out from the tap, or as a result of chlorine reacting with organisms in the water system.

If you are sensitive to chlorine, keep a jug of fresh, cold tap water in the refrigerator for drinking and cooking, or you can use appropriate carbon filters which need to be regularly maintained.

Sulphur

You may smell sulphur when using bathroom faucets. This is most often caused by decaying hair, dirt or debris caught in the drain, which releases an odour when the tap is run.

Fill a glass with cold water and take it to another room. If the water is odourless, your drains are causing the odour. To correct this problem, pour a small amount of bleach down the drain. Flush the drain with cold water a few minutes later.

Rusty/brown colour

Odd colours in your water may be a result of flushing fire hydrants or water mains. They may also be caused by repairs to the water system. These routine activities can disturb sediment in water mains, resulting in orange or brown coloured tap water.

Turn the outside taps on for approximately 10 minutes to flush sediments out of your home’s water system. Once the water runs clear, check the cold taps inside, and finally the hot taps.