Water supply safe, reporting process under review

Watercare’s decision to close two water supply lakes in the Hunua Ranges in May 2014 after traces of herbicide (metsulfuron-methyl) were detected has been the subject of media reports this morning.

Auckland Council CE Stephen Town is confident public safety was never at risk but is reviewing the reporting procedures around potential drinking water contamination.

“I am confident that proper safety procedures were in place and were followed by the parties concerned.

“Watercare took all steps required to ensure that neither water quality nor water supply were put at risk.

“There remains a concern about who should have been informed of these events and when, and whether this should have been made public at the time.

“I will therefore undertake a review of council’s reporting procedures.

“Our organisation must be as open and transparent as possible – and that includes matters within the wider Auckland Council family that are in the public interest,” he says.

Ends

© Scoop Media