5 September 2019

South Wairarapa District Council has released a Lessons Learned Report following the boil water incidents that occurred in Martinborough in February and April 2019. The Report documents the background to the two events, and includes the progress made towards corrective actions that have been identified.

Harry Wilson Chief Executive says, “The report is intended as a valuable tool to ensure we are doing everything we can to avoid another water contamination incident, and to improve the response of Council officers to any kind of similar event in the future.

“Although primarily written to inform Council operations, we feel it is important that we share the report with the community. We are now looking forward and are focussed on the next steps to ensure clean, clear, safe and secure drinking water for the long term.

“We want to thank those in the community who have given feedback and provided information regarding our plans for permanent chlorination. We are currently reviewing this information ahead of Council making a final decision later in the month.”

The lessons learned are drawn from a range of different inputs including the Havelock North Inquiry, Lutra Technical Report, and feedback from Martinborough residents, the business community, and Council staff.

This Report is available on here, along with answers to related questions raised at a recent Council meeting.

ENDS

Media contact

Amy Wharram

027 252 2863