Gore residents have been advised not to drink water from their taps until further notice, after Gore District Council issued a warning around 6.30pm this evening (18 Jul).

Activities that you should avoid using tap water for also include food preparation and brushing teeth, they said.

Parents with infants under 6 months and pregnant women are urged to be extra careful, the warning said.

Boiling water does not remove nitrates, they said.

The council said that the warning followed routine testing which detecting nitrate level of 11.4 mg/L, slightly above the Maximum Acceptable Value (MAV) of 11.3 mg/L for drinking water as set out in the Drinking Water Standards for New Zealand.

While the health risk to the general population is low, the council said the warning had been issued as a precaution.

Council water tankers, with fresh water, have been located at Eccles Street Playground, Hokonui Drive by the fire station, Grace Church on Hamilton Street, Wentworth Street outside the East Gore School, Eccles St playground and the Gore Trout.

Water can still be used for washing, toilets, showers and baths (though care should be taken for young children who may consume some water while bathing), they said.

Animals have a higher tolerance to nitrate but discretion is advised.

The warning does not affect Mataura residents.