Precautionary boil water notice still in place for Reefton
Following the detection of E. coli in the Reefton water supply yesterday and the subsequent boil-water notice issued for the township, the council has carried out further investigations.
Council received notification yesterday morning that routine water testing indicated possible E. coli contamination in the water supply. The positive sample was taken from the area around Herald Street, while samples from other parts of Reefton showed no traces of E. coli.
The ‘normal’ level in drinking water is less than 1 MPN/100 ml, with the sample showing an E. coli result of 13.4 MPN per 100 mL. MPN is a laboratory measure meaning ‘Most Probable Number’ - a statistical estimate of how many E. coli bacteria are present in 100 mL of water.
Following this, the council immediately issued a precautionary boil-water notice, which was communicated through various channels to alert the community and provide guidance on making drinking water safe.
Simultaneously, the council and its contractor, WestReef Services Limited, initiated actions to identify and isolate the contamination while further testing was carried out. Taumata Arowai, as the drinking water authority, was notified of the non-compliant E. coli result.
The first round of repeat samples, collected on 5 March 2026, has now returned clear for both E. coli and total coliforms at all five test locations: the Reefton Water Treatment Plant post-UV sample, Shiel Street, Herald Street, Elizabeth Street, and the Reefton Reservoir.
Group Manager Infrastructure Services Anthony Blom says: “We instantly activated a comprehensive action plan to narrow down the possible source of the contamination and inform the community. This follows best practice and guidance from Taumata Arowai (the water regulator) to protect consumers while we continue testing and investigating the contamination.”
At this stage, the cause of the original result remains unknown and is still under investigation. While follow-up samples from across the Reefton supply have returned clear, council has not yet confirmed the source or cause of the initial detection. The precautionary Boil Water Notice remains in place while further testing and investigation continue.
Mr Blom emphasises: “The health of the Reefton community is the council’s first priority, and we apologise for the inconvenience caused. While the first repeat results are reassuring, we are continuing to take a precautionary approach while further testing and investigation continue. We will work with our contractors and Taumata Arowai to confirm the cause of the original result and ensure all required procedures and controls remain robust.”
The precautionary notice will remain in place until the council has received three consecutive clear, non-positive repeat samples to confirm the supply is safe, and any required actions to eliminate further E. coli contamination have been carried out.
Council is continuing daily resampling, operational checks, and investigation of possible causes, including any localised reticulation issues and other potential contamination pathways.
Additional advice for food businesses and hospitality operators: During the precautionary Boil Water Notice, plumbed-in coffee machines, ice makers, and post-mix/beverage dispensers should not be used unless operators can confirm the equipment brings water to a full rolling boil. Standard commercial machines may not heat water sufficiently to eliminate the risk of contamination. Businesses should instead use pre-boiled and cooled water or bottled water for drinks and food preparation, and flush and sanitise water lines and equipment before returning them to service once the notice is lifted.
The Reefton water supply was chlorinated in June 2023, following substantial upgrades to the drinking water reservoir and pipe network. Chlorination enabled the council to lift a long-standing permanent boil water notice for the town.
The chlorination process made the town’s water supply compliant with current drinking water standards.
Council will provide further updates as more information becomes available.
-ENDS-
For further information please contact:
Community Engagement Team
Buller District Council
Media.Enquiries@bdc.govt.nz
Disclaimer
The information in this media release was correct at time of publication. Changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information.