Do Not Drink notice for Waiouru water

An emergency mobile alert has been sent to residents in Waiouru in the central North Island, telling them not to drink the tap water.

Manawatū-Whanganui Emergency Management Group said the drinking water in the region contained “chemicals” above the maximum allowable amount and a ‘Do Not Drink’ notice had been issued.

It was not stated what those chemicals were.

Residents should not use tap water for drinking, making ice, preparing food, brushing teeth or preparing baby formula, an emergency management spokesperson said.

Ruapehu District Council and the Defence Force had purchased five-litre water bottles which were being delivered to the NZDF base Thursday evening, they said.

“If you require drinking water, these can be collected at the NZDF base.”

Waiouru Primary School said in a post on social media it had been advised of the “potential issue” relating to the water supply.

Following discussions with the Ministry of Education and the board, the school would close all drinking fountains on Friday, remind students not to drink tap water and provide hand sanitiser in classrooms, it said.

“Please make sure your child brings a named water bottle to school tomorrow”, the school said.

Emergency Management said on social media it was encouraging people to inform those in the community who may not have access to technology about the notice.

“It’s by working together that we can keep each other safe during situations like these,” it said.

For more information, visit the Ruapehu District Council Facebook page.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.