3 Feb 2017

More tests after E coli detected in reservoir

4:19 pm on 3 February 2017

Napier's mayor says residents shouldn't be worried about the discovery of E coli in a reservoir in the city.

E. coli bacteria

E-coli bacteria Photo: CC BY 2.0 / NIAID

The Hawke's Bay District Health Board and the council are chlorinating the Enfield Road Reservoir, which services Taradale and Bay View, after tests found the bacteria yesterday.

Mayor Bill Dalton said the E coli level was low and the reservoir was quickly treated as a precaution.

Mr Dalton said false readings were common.

"If there's any suggestion that there's contamination there, we will act immediately, let everybody know.

"We've treated it at source so they can continue to use the water as normal, there's no need for boiling or anything like that."

Mr Dalton said further test results were expected today to determine if there was any health risk.

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