Confusion over chlorination of Kaiapoi water

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

The presence of chlorine in the Kaiapoi north drinking water supply is causing confusion among residents.

Some have taken to social media to vent their frustrations over it.

The Waimakariri District Council began chlorinating the Kaiapoi north supply last year as a precaution, after routine testing showed increased levels of organic materials in it.

Specialist equipment has been ordered and is expected to arrive in February or March, a council spokesperson said.

The council has applied for chlorine exemptions for the water supplies in the district’s six urban areas, including Kaiapoi.

The first draft decision, on the Cust water supply chlorine exemption application, was received just before Christmas and indicated that application was likely to be declined.

‘‘While this decision is draft only and does not directly apply to Kaiapoi, it does highlight how challenging it is to gain approval for a supply to operate without chlorine,’’ the spokesperson said.

‘‘The council is continuing to supply unchlorinated water where we have a high level of confidence, while our exemptions are being processed.

‘‘For north Kaiapoi this means the council must take a precautionary approach and continue with temporary chlorination until we have a higher level of confidence.’’

Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air