Southern DHB, Queenstown Lakes District Council and the Otago Regional Council jointly hosted the sessions to provide guidance, after elevated levels of arsenic were detected in two local water bores servicing private supplies late last year.
Groundwater can provide a good source of drinking water, but poorly secured bores can pose high contamination risk. Arsenic can be naturally present in groundwater in the region, so it is important for those on private water supplies to regularly have their water tested in accredited labs.
The sessions clarified the responsibilities of private water owners and private water suppliers, and the agencies’ roles the oversight of the supply of water.
Residents were also informed about new regulatory changes coming into force from July 2021. At that time, a new national water regulator, Taumata Arowai, will oversee, administer and enforce a strengthened, national drinking water regulatory system.
Check out these other Better Health South Stories:
Board Update - April 2021
Disability Strategy launched
Junction Health prioritising maternal health
Suture skills shared
Social support for NICU families
Covid-19 vaccination underway
Wishbone Walk fundraiser
