How safe is your water source?
If your water comes from a water collection tank, it's up to you to keep it safe and free from contaminants.
Source | Reduce contamination |
---|---|
In the tank - organic matter like leaves, dead animals and their faeces could be washed down the spouting into the water tank. | Regularly clean spouting, roof and tank. Install mesh screens on spouting. |
Buying water - Many residents need to buy water during the summer. Water carriers are advised to follow standard procedures to ensure safety of water supplies. | Always use a reputable water carrier and ask what the source of the water is before ordering. |
Water in the ground | |
Springs - Water quality depends on where the spring is recharged from. If that is a bush catchment - the quality is likely to be high, however, if farm animals have access, they are a potential source of pollution | Fence off water source to exclude stock and protect it from run-off. Ensure sound piping in place from source to storage tanks. |
Streams - Steams and rivers are high risk. It's not recommended as a drinking water source | Virtually impossible to prevent contamination. |
Bores - Ground water varies in bacterial & chemical composition, depending on bore depth and aquifer source. In Poverty Bay, it usually contains dissolved iron, which can affect the taste and cause staining. | Council samples a number of wells within the Poverty Bay aquifer system to assess quality. Check with our water conservation team for further information about results. |
If you think you may have a problem with your tank water, please contact us.