The boil water notice for many Queenstown and Frankton neighbourhoods issued yesterday by Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) remains in place until further notice.

This was introduced after NPHS Southern confirmed cases of illness caused by the protozoa, cryptosporidium in areas serviced by the Queenstown water supply. NPHS Southern has confirmed 15 cases as at midday today (12 September).

Areas where people should boil water:

• Queenstown town centre (north along Gorge Rd as far as and including Industrial Place);
• Queenstown Hill;
• Frankton Rd and suburbs on the hill above Frankton Rd;
• Fernhill and Sunshine Bay;
• Frankton including Five Mile, Remarkables Park and Glenda Dr;
• Quail Rise and Tucker Beach Rd;
• Kelvin Heights; and
• Hanley’s Farm.

The notice applies to residential and commercial properties (including accommodation providers) that are connected to a public supply in the locations identified above.

Unaffected areas (no need to boil water):

• Arrowtown;
• Arthurs Point;
• Lake Hayes Estate;
• Shotover Country;
• Upper Clutha; and
• any properties on a private supply (e.g Jacks Point).

QLDC Property and Infrastructure General Manager Tony Avery said Council is continuing to test water supplies and engage with health authorities.

“NPHS Southern is leading the public health response and continuing to trace the source of these cases. It’s important to emphasise that whilst the number of confirmed cases is still relatively low, cryptosporidium is a nasty bug and anyone with related symptoms should seek advice from a medical professional,” he said.

“Whilst the confirmed source is not yet known, and there is no confirmed link to the local water supply, we’re keeping the boil water notice in place in line with advice from NPHS Southern and the drinking water regulator, Taumata Arowai.”

“Council increased the frequency of its testing on Friday 8 September following reports of people living in Fernhill feeling unwell. This monitoring tests for indicators of contamination via the presence of E.coli or total coliforms, and also checks residual chlorine levels. All results to date have been, and continue to be, normal.”

“However, this testing did not specifically identify the presence or absence of cryptosporidium. Whilst there has been no result to date that indicates the local water supply has been compromised, as the supply at this location does not currently have a protozoa barrier as part of the treatment process this cannot be conclusively ruled out.”

“Hence additional testing for crypto in the water supply has been in place following the confirmed cases. Beginning yesterday (18 September) we will be testing the raw water source and reservoir daily. Results take approximately three days and we will update the community as soon as we’re able.”

Mr Avery said more information was being shared with the community to help individuals and businesses minimise the effects of the boil water notice.

“Council’s environmental team are working closely with food operators and the Ministry of Primary Industries on specific measures and advice for the local hospitality sector.”

Boiling water kills any microorganisms that could be present. In the locations outlined above people are advised to boil all their drinking water for at least one minute (or use bottled water) for the following uses:

• Drinking water – including cold beverages, ice-making and coffee machines.
• Food preparation – including washing uncooked foods such as salad, vegetables, and fruit.
• Preparing baby formula.
• Washing food utensils.
• Brushing teeth.
• Pets.

“We will continue to engage with NPHS Southern and Taumata Arowai, and will issue further advice as and when the situation changes,” added Mr Avery.

More information can be found on the Taumata Arowai website: https://www.taumataarowai.govt.nz/for-communities/emergencies/

For information about cryptosporidiosis, including symptoms and treatment, visit https://healthed.govt.nz/products/cryptosporidium-and-giardia

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