Boiled water notice lifted

Sanson residents no longer need to boil water for drinking purposes.

A “Boiled Water Notice” issued by the Manawatu District Council last week as a precaution against possible bacteriological contamination to the water supply was lifted today.

Water Manager, Wayne Spencer, said water sample tests showed the town’s water to be clear.

The boiled water request followed the installation of a temporary water intake near the Rangitikei River after the failure of the town’s normal water supply bore last month because of low river levels.

“The temporary supply is working well,” said Mr Spencer, “and we hope to have the new permanent bore completed and the town’s water supply back to normal by the end of next week.”

He said the bore would be deeper than the previous one so it could offer a better security of supply.

“We are planning to put two water supply bores down so one can operate from the other and become a backup if needed.”

Mr Spencer hoped the work would ease any future problems regarding Sanson’s supply but said there was always a risk in taking water from a shallow bore or river system.

“You are dealing with the dynamics of an environment that is always changing,” he said.

The 200 consumers on the town supply are still being asked to conserve water because of the temporary nature of the supply.

Water is no longer being trucked to the town’s reservoirs from Feilding and a water tanker that had been stationed at the Shell Garage for residents needing extra supplies had been removed.

“Nobody should be without water,” said Mr Spencer, “but anyone having circulation problems or leaks with the supply should contact council immediately.”