Frequently asked questions about water supply
What does ‘potable water’ mean?
Potable water is water that is safe for humans to drink.
What is a toby?
Is there fluoride in council water supplies?
Currently water supplies provided by Ōpōtiki District Council are not fluoridated.
The Health (Fluoridation of Drinking Water) Amendment Act 2021 amended the Health Act 1956 (the Act) to enable the Director-General of Health to direct local authorities to fluoridate drinking water supplies to establish nationally consistent decision-making on this issue.
The Ministry of Health’s Community water fluoridation policy is available on their website.
If there was a change to Ōpōtiki water supplies, we will let everyone know.
If my water bills seems high, what should I do?
Water use fluctuates over time due to changes in the household (more showers or washing) and the season (more garden watering or outside water use).
If you are concerned that you have a leak, check your water use overnight using your meter.
Contact the rates team with other billing concerns on 07 315 3030.
Do all properties have water meters?
All properties on council water supplies have a meter. Check where to find them, what they look like and how to read your meter.
How is my water treated?
Council water is filtered and treated with UV light. Chlorine is added to destroy harmful microorganisms and residual chlorine is necessary to ensure water is safe to drink at the farthest point in the system.
If you are sensitive to the smell chlorine, keep a jug of fresh, cold tap water in the refrigerator for drinking and cooking, or you can use appropriate carbon filters which need to be regularly maintained.
How much water should my household consume?
A two-person household usually uses between 10 and 15 cubic metres of water per month A five person household may use as much as 25 to 35 cubic metres of water per month.
Business and rural / agricultural use is difficult to estimate as water needs vary a lot. But if your business is a high user, monitor your use closely (especially where irrigation is involved) as leaks could have significant cost implications for you.
If the Council issues a Boil Water Notice, what should I do?
Read more about what to do if council issues a Boil Water notice.
Who do I report water leaks to and what do I tell them?
If you see a leaking tap or a burst water main, contact Council and provide as much detail as possible, for example the location, amount of water etc. This is important at any time of the year. We don’t want to waste our precious water at any time. If the problem is urgent or after normal office hours, call us on 07 315 3030. If the problem is not urgent, email us using the request for service form.
How can I identify a fire hydrant, and who can take water from a fire hydrant?
Who fixes the pipe from the boundary to the house?
Council maintains the water mains, but residents are required to maintain the pipes that run from their house or business to the council owned pipe (commonly called the Lateral or Service Line). If you suspect a leaking Lateral or Service Line on your property, call a plumber. If you think there is a leaking water main, then contact us on 07 315 3030 (24 hours).
What if I move house?
It is your responsibility to ensure that a final reading of the meter is done on the day you shift. Your solicitor may have arranged this. A minimum of 48 hours notice is required before a final meter reading may be done.
