Residents in Waiouru have been warned not to consume tap water after testing detected chemical levels above permitted safety limits in the town’s drinking water supply.
An emergency mobile alert and Do Not Drink notice were issued, advising people not to use tap water for drinking, cooking, preparing baby formula, making ice, or brushing their teeth.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the specific chemicals involved. The Ruapehu District Council and the New Zealand Defence Force have arranged bottled water supplies, available from the Waiouru military base, while local organisations including Waiouru Primary School have implemented precautionary measures.
Emergency management officials are also urging residents to spread the warning to those who may not have access to digital communications.
