9 Jan 2018

Water restrictions for thousands of residents of Northland town

12:38 pm on 9 January 2018

About 10,000 people in the Northland town of Ruakaka are facing water restrictions after the town's treatment plant became contaminated.

Water from tap

Water from tap Photo: 123RF

Last night the filters at the plant became cloudy, forcing the treated water to be disposed.

Plant spokesperson Simon Weston said he hoped the full water supply would be back up and running later this afternoon.

"Last night the treatment plant took something in and that disrupted the treatment processes at the plant. And as a result of that, the treatment plant shut down."

He said staff had been at the plant all night and morning to get the plant recommissioned.

The council said water was still available, but has urged residents to conserve as much as possible.