On May 9, the government’s water regulator, Taumata Arowai, said he intended to reject Christchurch City Council’s first applications to be free from chlorine.
Chlorine time
Brooklands-Kainga featured later this week – suburbs affected Brooklands, Kainga, Spencerville
Parklands and Rawhiti featured week of June 5 – suburbs affected Aranui, Avondale, Bexley, Burwood, Marshland, Mairehau, Parklands, Queespark, New Brighton, North New Brighton and South Brighton
North West Week introduced on 12 June – suburbs affected include Belfast, Northwood, Casebrooke, Harewood, Bishopdale, Burnside, Elam, Avonhead, Redwood, Rusley, Broomfield, Middleton, Upper Riccarton, Fendalton, Sticks and Northcote
Birdlings Flat featured week of June 19th
Without exception, chlorine will be introduced into all water supply zones of the city. This is a necessary step to comply with the Water Supply Act and the relevant rules and standards for municipal water supply.
The lowest dose of chlorine sufficient to achieve more than 0.2 milligrams per liter throughout the network will be injected into areas that have not been chlorinated.
“We know this will disappoint residents who have previously enjoyed non-chlorinated water, but we have to take this step to comply with the law,” said Three Waters acting chief executive Brent Smith.
“We have been working on upgrading the current chlorination equipment at our pumping stations and are now ready to put it into operation.
“Some of our employees and contractors working in the three waters have reported an increase in abuse in recent weeks. Remember that our employees are just doing their job. They are human just like you – be cool, not cruel and make sure they are treated with respect.
“When chlorine is added to non-chlorinated water, taste and odor problems can occur as the chlorinated water reacts with the non-chlorinated water and any natural biofilms in the pipes.
“Any taste and odor issues should subside in a week or two, and we’ll do our best to keep the chlorine dose to a minimum during that time.
“If you are concerned about the taste, you can store drinking water in a pitcher in the refrigerator. The chlorine taste will disappear naturally within a few hours,” he says.