Testing has detected E. coli in the Eastern Bush water scheme, resulting in an urgent boil water notice being issued by the Southland District Council.

Consumers on the Eastern Bush water scheme should boil their drinking water until further notice.

Contractors are now investigating the cause.

SDC advise the boil water notice may stay in place for three to four days.

E.coli can be contracted from contaminated water or food, unpasteurised milk or infected animals or faeces.

This can cause severe stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhoea and a mild fever.

While most people who are exposed to the bacteria will recover within 5-7 days, symptoms can be severe in children, the elderly and people with reduced immunity.