If your water comes from a water collection tank, it's up to you to keep it safe and free from contaminants.
How safe is your water source?
If you reply of a private water tank or rural water source, it's important to understand the potential risks and how to keep your supply safe.
| Source | Reduce risk of contamination |
|---|---|
| In the tank - organic matter such as leaves, debris, animal faeces and even dead animals can wash off the roof into your water tank. | Clean your roof, spouting and tank regularly. Install mesh screens on spouting to stop debris entering the tank. |
| Buying water - Many households need to buy water over summer. Water carriers follow standard procedures to ensure water is safe to drink, but you should still make sure you know what you're getting. | Always use a reputable water carrier. Ask where the water comes from before buying. |
Water in the ground | To protect your supply |
| Springs - spring water quality depends on where the spring is recharged from. If the source is a bush-covered catchment, the water is generally high quality. If farm animals have access, the risk of contamination increases significantly. | Fence off water source to keep stock out. Make sure piping from the spring to your tank is secure and in good condition. |
| Streams - steams and rivers are high risk and not not recommended for drinking water source | They are extremely difficult to protect from contamination. Even with treatment, they remain vulnerable t changes in weather, land-use and run-off. |
| Bores - groundwater quality varies depending on bore depth and the aquifer supplying it. In parts of Poverty Bay, groundwater often contains dissolved iron, which can affect taste and cause staining. | Council samples a number of wells within the Poverty Bay aquifer to monitor water quality. |
If you're worried about the quality of your tank water or think something might be wrong, please get in touch.
Safe drinking water
If you get your water from a rainwater tank, spring or bore - there's steps you can take to make sure your water is safe, clean and clear.
An untreated water supply can be contaminated with chemicals, bacteria and other organisms.
These contaminants can cause unpleasant tastes, odours and some can cause serious illness.
Cleaning your water tank
When the water in your tank is low - it's a good time to clean it out.
If you're planning to have the tank refilled without cleaning it - be aware that adding delivered water to a dirty tank can stir up any sludge, and make your water cloudy and taste unpleasant.
Sludge often contains high levels of bacteria and contaminants and will clog any filters.
Cover the tank to prevent animals, birds and other matter from entering
Leaves, dead birds and animal droppings can be washed down the spouting and into your tank, making it unsafe to drink.
Buy water from a registered water carrier
If you need to refill your tank, make sure you use a registered water carrier. We can tell you if a water carrier is registered, or ask the carrier before ordering the water.
Registered carriers are required to leave a delivery docket with each load of water. This details the source and quality of the delivered water.
Water filters
If you use filters or other point-of-use devices to clean your water, check when these are due for replacement or servicing. If you don't currently use any of these devices, now's a good time to consider the treatment options available.