For immediate release: Wednesday, 25 February 2026
Whakatāne District Council is responding to recent community concerns about the Rūātoki drinking water supply and recent boil water notices issued following recent storm events.
So far this year, three boil water notices have been issued, each following significant storm events.
Transition Director, Three Waters, Nic Johansson says the Council acknowledges the impact repeated notices can have on the community.
“We understand that boil water notices are frustrating for residents and can create uncertainty for whānau. These notices are issued as a precautionary public health measure. During and after heavy rain, increased turbidity, or cloudiness, in the source water can reduce the effectiveness of ultraviolet treatment used to disinfect the supply.”
Drinking water suppliers are required to have multiple treatment barriers in place. Under normal conditions in Rūātoki, the supply is treated using ultraviolet light and chlorine. If one treatment method is not operating effectively, a boil water notice must be issued until both systems are confirmed to be working properly and the water is safe to drink.
“Boiling water is a simple and proven way to make drinking water safe,” Mr Johansson says. “When a notice is in place, water should be brought to a rolling boil for at least three minutes, or boiled in an electric jug for the three-minute duration.”
He adds that while some households have installed home filtration systems, all water from the town supply must still be boiled during a notice, regardless of whether a household filter is used.
While a boil water notice is in place, the Council undertakes daily water quality testing across the network and closely monitors turbidity, chlorine levels and other indicators. Monitoring occurs 24 hours a day through electronic systems, alongside regular on-site testing. Notices are lifted only once the supply is confirmed safe to drink without boiling.
At this stage, the Council has not been advised by the Ministry of Health of any waterborne illness linked to the Rūātoki supply. If any such issues were identified, the local public health unit notifies the Council and The Water Services - Taumata Arowai, the national water services regulator.
Residents who rely on private bores or alternative water sources are encouraged to ensure these are properly maintained and tested, particularly during and after heavy rainfall.
Mr Johansson says work is underway to improve the long‑term resilience of the Rūātoki water supply.
The current supply draws water from a bore located near the river. Over time, changes in the river’s path mean the bore is more susceptible to increased turbidity during heavy rain events.
More than seven alternative bore sites have been investigated. Findings show that retaining the existing source and investing in higher-technology treatment is the most effective long-term option.
Funding has been set aside in Council’s Long Term Plan to progress upgrades, including a new water treatment plant. Construction investigations are expected to begin from late 2026, with commissioning to follow once design and procurement are complete.
Council has also been trialling a membrane and micro-filtration system offline for potential use at the future Rūātoki pump station. The system is designed to physically remove fine particles from the water and reduce turbidity during heavy rain events.
“Trials to date have been promising, but the system is not yet operational,” Mr Johansson says. “Until upgraded treatment is in place through a new water treatment plant, boil water notices will continue to be required during and after heavy rainfall events.”
Whakatāne District Council remains focused on protecting public health, providing clear information, and working toward a more reliable long-term solution for Rūātoki.
For the latest updates on boil water notices, visit whakatane.govt.nz/boil-water-notice-ruatoki or follow Whakatāne District Council on Facebook. Updates are also broadcast on 1XX and Sun FM during notice periods. Residents can contact Council Customer Services with any pātai. Tūhoe are notified before any boil water notice is issued or lifted and share updates through their own channels.
ENDS