A boil water notice has been issued for Queenstown and Frankton residents after multiple people fell ill.
The Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) issued the notice on Monday afternoon. It affects all properties serviced by the Council's Queenstown supply including Frankton, Quail Rise and Tucker Beach Rd, Kelvin Heights and Hanley's Farm.
Jack's Point is a privately operated water supply and was not affected.
"NPHS [National Public Health Service] Southern has confirmed a number of local cases of illness caused by the protozoa, cryptosporidium," QLDC property and infrastructure general manager Tony Avery said in a statement.
"There are currently eight confirmed cases originating in neighbourhoods serviced by this supply."
Avery said the source of the cases isn't known yet, and there isn't a confirmed link to the local water supply.
"However, on the basis of advice from NPHS Southern regarding the nature of symptoms related to cryptosporidium infection and the potential speed and ease of transmission, we are issuing this notice," he added
The council is aware of recent social media reports of people living in Fernhill feeling unwell, and as a result has begun more frequent monitoring of this area.
Avery said all these results continue to come back normal - however the testing "does not specifically identify the presence or absence of cryptosporidium".
"Whilst there has been no result to date that indicates the local water supply has been compromised, as the supply at this location does not currently have a protozoa barrier as part of the treatment process this cannot be conclusively ruled out," he stated.
"In general, the potential for cryptosporidium contamination is highly unlikely. But with these cases confirmed, and to minimise others' potential exposure to cryptosporidiosis, all residents and businesses in these areas should boil their water until further notice."
In the locations above people are advised to boil all their drinking water for at least one minute (or use bottled water) for the following uses:
- Drinking water - including cold beverages, ice-making and coffee machines
- Food preparation - including washing uncooked foods such as salad, vegetables, and fruit
- Preparing baby formula
- Washing food utensils
- Brushing teeth
- Pets
"We will continue to engage with NPHS Southern and Taumata Arowai (the Drinking Water Regulator), and will issue further advice as and when the situation changes," Avery added.
"Anyone with related symptoms should seek medical advice."
More information can be found on the Taumata Arowai website.
For information about cryptosporidiosis, including symptoms and treatment, visit here.
