NPDC has lifted the boil water notice for Bell Block and The Links, but it remains for New Plymouth Airport while water sampling continues.

Nearby rural properties on trickle-feed and properties along Airport Drive can also continue to use their water as usual.

NPDC tested water samples from eight sites throughout Bell Block and four sites at New Plymouth Airport yesterday, and all have come back clear.

“The boil water notice applies only on the airport side of the airport’s gates. It’s a precautionary measure while we continue testing for the next two days – if the samples continue to come back clear of E. coli, we’ll lift the notice there on Sunday evening,” says NPDC Manager Three Waters Amy Quattlebaum.

“This cautious approach is standard practice and allows time for further testing to ensure drinking water remains safe.”

For now, a water tanker will remain on-site at the airport to provide drinking water to airport customers and visitors.

“Thank you to everyone in Bell Block and The Links for their patience during the precautionary boil water notice period. E. coli can be pretty nasty for vulnerable people and it was great to see locals sharing information and supporting each other yesterday while we gathered more information,” says Amy.

The cause of yesterday’s positive test is still under investigation.

At a glance:

• The original boil water notice was initiated as a precaution after a single positive test for E. coli near New Plymouth Airport.
• This was a standard public health measure taken in consultation with water regulator Taumata Arowai.
• NPDC requires three clear water samples from New Plymouth Airport before the boil water notice can be lifted there.

© Scoop Media