Preparations to include chlorine in the Blenheim water supply have been underway since May this year.

Chlorination is required to ensure the supply complies with the Water Services Act 2021 and national Drinking Water Quality Assurance Rules. The Water Services Authority Taumata Arowai requires a residual disinfectant - typically chlorine - to be added to reticulated water supplies in New Zealand.

“Chlorine is being introduced this week starting with a low dose. Our engineers will monitor how it moves through the network and test until it is present at the required level,” said Richard Coningham, Group Manager Infrastructure and Services.

“People may notice a different taste and smell at first, however this will decrease over the coming weeks. In the meantime people can fill a jug of water and leave it on the bench or in the fridge for a few hours and the chlorine will dissipate naturally. You can also install a household carbon filter,” Mr Coningham said.

Council is also installing four chlorine-filtered water stations, located at Forest Park Drive (Rifle Range car park), Lansdowne Park, A & P Park (Alabama Road) and Horton Park. Signage will be in place at each. The Forest Park Drive station is open; Council will advise when the other sites open.

Chlorine is a simple, effective way of ensuring water supplies are fully disinfected and safe for drinking. It’s used around the world to purify water supplies because it kills most common bacteria including campylobacter and norovirus. It’s used alongweside other processes - such as protozoa barriers which remove or inactivate single-celled parasites including cryptosporidium and giardia - to provide multi-barrier protection.

The water supplies in Renwick, Picton, Havelock, Wairau Valley, Seddon and rural Awatere are already chlorinated.

Information and frequently asked questions about chlorination are available on the Council’s website at: www.marlborough.govt.nz/services/utilities/water-supplies/blenheim-water-supply

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