Update 19 February 8:30 am

Water quality in Rūātoki has steadily improved over the weekend, and the level of turbidity is now low and falling. That means the tanker service will be discontinued for now.

Repairs to the washed-out riverbank at the bore site will continue today, with the aim of protecting the bores from further erosion. With ex-cyclone Gita predicted to hit Aotearoa overnight tonight or early tomorrow, there is potential for further river flooding, so Council 3 Waters staff will be keeping an eye on the situation at the bores and closely monitoring water quality.

We’ll provide further updates as the situation develops.

Update 16 February 1:30 pm

We’ve just been informed the water tanker was unable to be in Rūātoki this morning, due to the need to undertake an urgent job elsewhere. The tanker is now being filled and should be on-site at Te Wharekura o Rūātoki by 2:30 pm, and remain on-site till at least 5 pm.

Update 16 February 11 am

Council’s 3 Waters team advises that a water tanker will be available at Te Wharekura o Rūātoki between 9 am and 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday for any Rūātoki residents who want to collect clean drinking water.

Update 14 February 4:10 pm

We’ve just been advised that the water tanker will now be available in Rūātoki all day tomorrow, for anyone who wants to collect fresh water. It will be stationed at Te Wharekura o Rūātoki from 9am till around 1pm, and will then be at Tawera School for the rest of the afternoon.

Update 14 February 1:20 pm

The tanker has been moved to Tawera School this afternoon and will be available until 5 pm for anyone wanting to collect clean drinking water.

14 February 9:20 am

The Whakatāne District Council advises that a water tanker will be available at Te Wharekura o Rūātoki for at least the next three days, to provide clear drinking water for collection by community members. Rūātoki’s water supply is currently affected by turbidity (cloudiness) due to the flood conditions in the river. The bores have also been affected by significant erosion of the riverbank, and work will be carried out today to try and reinstate and stabilise the area concerned.

At this stage the bores are operating, and the required volume of water is being treated and pumped to the reservoir serving the area. Daily testing has confirmed no contamination, so the water is safe for all uses. The Council is working to find a long-term solution to the ongoing turbidity problems affecting the Rūātoki water supply.

The water tanker will be available at the Kura today from 10:30 till 5 pm and will also be available between 12:30 pm and 5 pm tomorrow (Thursday). Friday hours will be advised tomorrow.