Panui - me kōhua te wai
Boil water notice
Find up to date information regarding current boil water notices.
There is currently no boil water notices in place for the Auckland region.
What you need to know
If there are ever concerns about the safety of your drinking water, we may issue a boil water notice.
This page explains what a boil water notice means and provides tips to help you stay safe if one is in place where you live.
What is a boil water notice?
A boil water notice is issued when there is a possibility that the water supply contains microorganisms that could cause illness.
During the notice period, you will need to treat your water before using it for certain purposes.
We understand this may cause some disruption, but it is an important step to help protect you and your whānau from potential health risks.
A notice may be issued when there is a risk that contaminants have entered the water supply, such as following a treatment system fault or damage to the water network.
Helpful resources
Taumata Arowai provides a number of key resources on their website here: Taumata Arowai resources.
This includes a do not drink tap water notice and do not use the tap water notice.
Frequently answered questions
Frequently answered questions
What is the proper way to treat my water so that it is safe to drink?
The best way to treat tap water is by boiling it in an electric kettle. The kettle only needs to be boiled once, then can be cooled for drinking.
I have a water filtration device installed. Do I still need to boil my tap water?
Yes. Most household water filtration devices are not designed to remove bacteria and viruses.
Please replace your filter cartridge once the boil water notice is lifted.
What if I already drank potentially contaminated water?
The likelihood of you becoming ill is low. However, if you experience symptoms such as diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting or abdominal cramps, you should seek medical attention.
Who is most at risk of getting sick from drinking potentially contaminated water?
Everyone is at risk but some people are more sensitive than others. Therefore, everyone needs to boil their water.
How should I wash my hands during a boil water notice?
You can use the tap water and soap to wash your hands for basic personal hygiene. If you are washing your hands to prepare food, you should use soap and boiled (then cooled) water or bottled water. Make sure you dry your hands thoroughly after washing. This is a key step to avoid illness.
Is potentially contaminated water safe for bathing and shaving?
Yes. Tap water may be used for showering, baths, shaving and washing as long as you do not swallow it or get it in your eyes, nose or mouth.
Children and people with disabilities should be supervised to make sure they do not swallow any unsafe water. People with wounds or weak immune systems may want to use boiled (then cooled) or bottled water for bathing until the boil water notice is lifted.
I have a dishwasher. Is it safe to use?
Yes, you can continue to use it. Use the hot setting. After finishing the cycle, soak the dishes for one minute in a solution of bleach (1 dessert spoon) and water (fill the sink). Let the dishes air dry.
I wash dishes by hand. How do I disinfect them?
You could use water that has been boiled for washing dishes but do not dilute it with unsafe water to achieve a comfortable temperature. Alternatively, after washing the dishes, soak them for one minute in a solution of bleach (1 dessert spoon) and water (fill the sink). Let the dishes air dry.
Should I change the way I am doing laundry?
No, continue doing laundry the way you usually do.
What should I do after the boil water notice is lifted?
Please carry out the steps that apply to your household:
- If you have a hot water cylinder, turn on one hot water tap and let it run until the water is cold. This will drain the cylinder and it will refill with safe water.
- After you have drained your hot water cylinder, turn on all your cold water taps and run them for a few minutes.
- Replace filter cartridges on taps and in water containers.
- Flush, clean and sanitise water lines on equipment such as coffee and ice machines.
I'd like to know more
There’s further information available on Taumata Arowai’s website.
Taumata Arowai is the water service authority for New Zealand.