20 Apr 2017

E Coli found in Governors Bay water supply

6:33 pm on 20 April 2017

A boil water warning has been given in Governors Bay, following the discovery of E coli in the Banks Peninsula township's water supply today.

A glass is filled with drinking water from a tap

Photo: 123RF

The Christchurch City Council said it was possible heavy rain in the area, near the head of Lyttelton Harbour, over Easter weekend caused the contamination of a reservoir that supplied water to about 350 properties in the area - but this was yet to be confirmed.

Council spokesperson John Mackie said the presence of E coli in the water supply was confirmed by the laboratory this morning, after samples were taken yesterday.

Mr Mackie said it would be chlorinating the water to kill the E coli, but this would take a couple of days.

The Canterbury District Health Board said it had not had any notifications of people being sick as a result of the contamination.

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