Wellington Water advises that all drinking water in Pirinoa must be boiled before use, including for drinking, preparing food, making baby formula, or brushing teeth.

The Pirinoa Water Treatment Plant has been inundated by flooding following adverse weather in the South Wairarapa region. Because floodwater can carry harmful contaminants, the safety of the drinking water supply cannot be guaranteed at this time.

We have notified the water services authority Taumata Arowai and will be carrying out regular water quality testing over the next 72 hours as part of our standard response procedure.

This boil water notice is in place from 2pm 16 February 2026 until further notice. We will advise when the water is safe to drink without boiling.

How to boil water for drinking:

• Bring tap water to a rolling boil for one minute (bubbles must appear in the centre and continue when the water is stirred).
  or
  Boil a full electric kettle until it switches off.
• Allow the water to cool naturally – do not use ice.
• Store it in a clean, covered container in the fridge.
• Babies, young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people who have weakened immune systems are more at risk of illness. If you get diarrhoea, vomiting and/or a fever, get advice from your doctor or contact Healthline (0800 611 116).

ENDS

For media enquiries contact media@wellingtonwater.co.nz