What to do when a Do Not Drink Water notice is in place:

A Do Not Drink Notice is put in place when the water supply may be contaminated with harmful chemicals or toxins. In these situations, boiling the water will not make it safe and could make the risk worse.

How you can protect yourself 

Do not use tap water for:

  • Drinking
  • Cooking
  • Preparing food
  • Brushing teeth
  • Making infant formula
  • Making ice

Use bottled water or water from a tanker for all the above.

Boiling water will not make it safe.

What you can still do 

  • You can shower and bathe as normal, but avoid swallowing the water
  • Take extra care when bathing babies and young children, as they may swallow water
  • Pets must also be given bottled water or tanker water

You will need to follow this notice until you are told it has been lifted. This will happen once testing confirms the water supply is safe again.

Selwyn Water will continue to monitor the situation and keep residents informed of any updates.

Frequently asked questions