Water Notices
Current water shutdown notices
Current Boil, Conserve and Full Water Restriction notices
About Water Notices
What are Conserve Water notices?
We issue conserve water notices when there has been low rainfall, extreme weather events or for other reasons, such as when work is being done on the supply network.
What we would like you to do:
- Don't wash your cars and boats.
- Don't refill your swimming pool.
- Ensure all taps are turned off thoroughly to avoid any dripping.
- Don't water your lawns and garden but if you need to water your vegetable garden, please do it with a hand-held hose.
- Put a plug in the sink when washing your dishes and vegetables.
- Run your washing machine and dishwasher only when it is fully loaded.
- Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth or shaving.
- All commercial users are requested to minimise usage.
Even when there aren't notices issued, it is a good idea to conserve water where you can at all times.
What are Boil Water notices?
If a Boil Water notice is issued for your supply, water (hot and cold) must NOT be used for drinking, making up baby formula and juices, cooking, making ice, washing fruits and vegetables, or brushing teeth. For these purposes use either boiled water or bottled water. Hot water from your tap is not safe to use during a boil water advisory as the temperature of your hot water cylinder is not high enough to kill germs.
- Temporary boil water notices may be needed due to contamination of the water supply during a one-off event, such as heavy rainfall or flooding.
- Long-term boil water notices are for untreated supplies and are needed until they are upgraded to meet the Government's Drinking Water Standards.
Boil Water notice FAQs
How do I boil the water?
Boiling will kill all disease-causing organisms. Place the water in a clean metal pan and bring to a rolling boil for one minute. Electric jugs with a cut-off switch can be used as long as they are full – allow the water to come to the boil and switch off. Do not hold the switch down to increase the boiling time. Boiled water should be covered and allowed to cool in the same container. The taste will improve if allowed to stand for a few hours before use.
I have already drunk the water. Will I get sick?
If you get diarrhoea, vomiting and/or a fever, contact Healthline (0800 611 116) or your doctor. Babies, young children, the elderly and people who have compromised immune systems are more at risk of illness.
I have a water filtration unit installed. Does this make the water safe?
Filtered water should also be boiled for one minute before using it for drinking, food preparation or teeth brushing.
How do I prepare food and drinks?
Fruits and vegetables should be washed using cooled, boiled water. Use boiled water if adding to foods that will not be cooked. Tap water can only be used in foods that will be thoroughly cooked.
Do not use ice, food or drinks that may have been made from contaminated tap water.
If you are using baby formula, prepare using bottled or cooled, boiled water. Wash and sterilise bottles and teats by boiling or microwaving.
Can I use my coffee machine, soda machine or ice maker?
Coffee machines, ice makers and soda dispensers that are connected to the water supply should not be used. Use bottled water or water that has been boiled or disinfected for making coffee, ice or soda drinks.
Can I use the water for handwashing?
You should either:
- Use bottled or boiled water for handwashing
- Use soap and tap water followed by an additional hand disinfection, by either:
Rinsing hands in disinfectant solution (add 1 teaspoon plain household bleach to 10 litres of water and allow to stand for 30 minutes before use. Change solution frequently) or using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser containing at least 60% alcohol.
How do I wash dishes?
By hand:
Dishes can be washed using boiled water. If you use tap water, dishes washed with water and detergent should be rinsed in a bleach solution. (1 tablespoon unscented household bleach per 5 litres of water). Allow dishes to completely air dry.
Using a dishwasher:
If your dishwasher has a hot setting, it can be used to wash dishes. If your dishwasher does not have a hot setting, after the finishing cycle, rinse the dishes in a bleach solution afterwards (1 tablespoon unscented household bleach per 5 litres of water). Allow dishes to completely air dry.
Can I take a bath or shower?
Adults, teens and older children may shower or bathe with untreated water as long as no water is swallowed (avoid the face). Young children should be sponge-bathed instead of bathing in a tub because they are likely to swallow the bath water. If you have recent surgical wounds or a chronic illness, you may want to use bottled or boiled water for bathing until the advisory is lifted.
What about teeth brushing and shaving?
Only use boiled or bottled water for brushing your teeth. You can shave as usual using tap water.
What about pets and livestock?
Pets and livestock can usually drink untreated water and often drink untreated water out in the environment. If your pet is unwell, has vomiting and diarrhoea, contact your veterinarian. Make sure you wash your hands well after handling your pet and use rubber or disposable gloves if you are cleaning up after it.
For more information on how to disinfect water for drinking - please visit Environmental Protection Agency website.
About rural supplies
The intake pumps for rural supplies (which are restricted) sometimes need to be turned off. This usually happens after there has been heavy, prolonged rainfall and the water source becomes dirty or silted up.
The Council does this to protect the supply from damage and contamination. In these cases, a Conserve Water notice will be placed on this page, and on local radio.
Plumbosolvency notice
Flush your taps!
Some pipes and taps can accumulate small traces of metal if left unused for a few hours. We recommend you flush a cup full from your drinking-water tap each morning before use.