3.49pm, Tuesday 19 February

Martinborough’s water test results for samples taken on Sunday, post the network flush, have come back all clear for E. coli. This is the first of three days of clear testing that is required for Council and Regional Public Health to lift the boil water notice for the town.

Water samples are being taken daily at all the routine sampling sites, plus additional sites including dead end pipes that are at higher risk of harbouring contamination. Results for day 2 (taken on Monday) are not yet available and will be shared in the next update.

The last of the three days of test results will be available on Wednesday evening, which means that if results continue to stay ontrack, the boil water notice will likely be lifted by Thursday at the earliest.

Infrastructure and Services Group Manager Mark Allingham says, “we’re remaining positive that we have done enough to clear the contamination. It’s been a huge amount of work and I’ll looking forward to the boil water notice coming to an end.

“I urge people to continue to boil water until we know for sure that the network is clear,” says Mr Allingham.

Routine sampling and testing will continue after the boil water notice has been lifted, to provide confidence that the water is safe to drink. Council will also be undertaking a full review of the event.

If you have any feedback in relation to this event, please email martinboroughwater@swdc.govt.nz.

Further information is available at swdc.govt.nz/Martinborough-town-water-situation or call 06 306 9611.

Next update: 4pm Wednesday 20 February, or earlier if required.

Media contact

Amy Wharram

027 252 2863