QLDC targets this week to reduce area under boil water notice

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is aiming to lift the boil water notice for its Kelvin Heights water distribution zone as early as Thursday morning after continued positive engagement with the water services regulator, Taumata Arowai.

Council provided Taumata Arowai with an updated Queenstown drinking water safety plan (DWSP) – reflecting changes in relation to the Kelvin Heights treatment plant and distribution – on Saturday (30 September) and an updated isolation plan for the plant on Sunday.

QLDC General Manager Property & Infrastructure Tony Avery said the focus was on completing the final processes to meet Taumata Arowai’s requirements.

“We began flushing the supply from Kelvin Heights yesterday morning in addition to continued monitoring and sampling. Initial results after flushing should be back on Wednesday. Assuming the results are clear in line with our expectations, we will then be in a position to agree ending the boil water notice for those residents and businesses served by this particular local supply.”

“I would emphasise that this measure will only apply to the Kelvin Heights water supply that extends into Frankton; we’ve produced a map so people can see the exact boundary. All other parts of Queenstown currently affected by the boil water notice will still need to abide by the current restrictions. However, everyone in the district should continue to maintain good hand hygiene to minimise the risk of secondary infection.”

Mr Avery pointed out that no variation of the compliance order was required at this stage.

“There has been a massive effort from Council staff and contractors to get to this point. I would like to thank everyone involved as we continue our work to meet the requirements of Taumata Arowai’s order. We will continue to provide the community with updates about when we expect to lift the boil water notice for everyone. In the meantime, thank you to everyone in the community and local businesses for your patience and for abiding by the requirements of the boil water notice,” said Mr Avery.

Advice from Te Whatu Ora to minimise the risk of secondary infection is as follows:

• Wash your hands with lots of soap and water for at least 20 seconds and then dry them thoroughly on a clean towel.

• Do not rely on hand sanitizer as this is not effective against cryptosporidium.

• If someone in your household has cryptosporidiosis, ensure all surfaces, including door handles, are cleaned regularly with a cleaning product that contains hydrogen peroxide. Chlorine based products do not work against cryptosporidium and bleach-based products are not as effective.

QLDC will continue to provide ongoing messaging about the boil water notice and share relevant health advice from Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand Southern.

ENDS|KUA MUTU.

Media contact: communications@qldc.govt.nz or call 03 441 1802.

FURTHER INFORMATION | Kā pāroko tāpiri:

• More information including a map of the affected area and what you need to do during the boil water notice is available on the Council website at https://www.qldc.govt.nz/crypto

• An updated map of the reduced area under the boil water notice is available here: Two Mile Water Supply Map (PDF, 2.62MB)

• More information about the water regulator and end point treatment (filtration and UV disinfection systems) for residences and businesses can be found on the Taumata Arowai website: https://www.taumataarowai.govt.nz/for-communities/emergencies/

• For information about cryptosporidiosis, including symptoms and what to do if you are displaying them, visit https://healthed.govt.nz/products/cryptosporidium-and-giardia

Feedback opportunity

QLDC is inviting feedback from residents and businesses in the affected area on their understanding of the boil water notice and to suggest ways of engaging and other information needs. Anyone interesting in providing this is welcome to do so via https://letstalk.qldc.govt.nz/qt-boil-water-notice-feedback

General information about how to stop the spread of cryptosporidium and what to do if you have symptoms provided by NPHS Southern:

The best thing you and your whānau can do to stop the spread of cryptosporidium (crypto) infection is to practice good hand hygiene. This means scrubbing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and drying them thoroughly with a clean towel:

• After using the bathroom, changing a diaper, or helping others use the bathroom

• Before eating or cooking

• After handling an animal

• After gardening, even if you used gloves

• When caring for someone with diarrhoea

Other ways to help stop the spread of cryptosporidium infection are:

• Stay home or keep young children home when you or they have an active case of diarrhoea

• Don’t drink untreated water

• Clean all surfaces, including door handles, regularly with a cleaning product that contains hydrogen peroxide. Chlorine based products do not work against cryptosporidium and bleach based products are not as effective.

• Shower before using recreational swimming facilities to wash away any potential Cryptosporidium organisms on your body.

• Don’t swallow pool water or spa pool water.

• Wash all produce before eating it. Peeling the skins will also reduce your risk.

• Take young children at the pool to the bathroom frequently.

• Change children’s diapers often.

• Stay clear of the water if you or your children have diarrhoea. Stay out of the water for a full two weeks after the diarrhoea subsides.

What to do if you have symptoms

If you live or work in the Queenstown area, currently are visiting or have visited since 18 August and are experiencing these symptoms, please call your family doctor or Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free advice from a registered nurse 24 hours a day 7 days a week.