Chlorination FAQ – Thursday 3 March 2011

Posted on Thursday, March 3, 2011 by canterburyearthquake

Issued: 8.30am, Thursday 3 March 2011

Why is it necessary to chlorinate the water?
There has been extensive damage to the water supply pipes throughout the City. In order to safe guard drinking water from potentially harmful bacteria and to ensure the water supply complies with the required drinking water standards chlorine is being added to the water.

Chlorine is a highly efficient disinfectant and helps kill harmful bacteria that may exist in the water or in the water supply pipes.

According to the World Heath Organisation “disinfection by chlorine is still the best guarantee of microbiologically safe water”.

Similarly, according to the Water Quality and Health Council “Chlorine-based disinfectants are the only disinfectants that provide lasting residual protection to protect the water from waterborne disease throughout the distribution system from plant to the consumers tap”

What areas are being chlorinated?

Chlorine is being added to parts of the City’s water supply to safe guard the water from potentially harmful bacteria.

My water tastes strange -

Chlorine is being added to the city water supply to safe guard the water from potentially harmful bacteria. The taste and odour caused by chlorination may be noticeable at rare times but are not a health risk.

The taste from chlorination can be reduced by pouring the water into a jug and let stand for 2 minutes. Chilling the water also helps.

Do I need to continue to boil my water?

As a precaution continue to ensure you boil all water. Whilst chlorinated water does not ordinarily need to be boiled we are advising people to continue to boil drinking water to avoid all risk.

How do I know if the water is safe?

Increased water sampling will take place throughout the city to ensure that safe water is delivered.

How much chlorine is being added?

Chlorine levels will be maintained at the standard levels to other cities throughout New Zealand.

How long is it going to be chlorinated for?

The City’s chlorinated water supply will be monitored and reviewed on a monthly basis. Christchurch is committed to an untreated supply and once the Ministry of Health and Council engineers are satisfied the water supply is secure chlorine will be removed.

I want to talk to somebody about chlorination –

There has been extensive damage to the water supply pipes through out the city. In order to safe guard drinking water from potentially harmful bacteria and to ensure the water supply complies with the required Drinking water standards chlorination of the water is occurring.

If you wish to discuss chlorination contact 941 8999. They will take your name and someone will be back in contact with you.

ENDS

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