Boil water alert for some Auckland suburbs after E. coli detected - Watercare

Thousands of people in Auckland are being told to boil their drinking water after bacteria was found in the supply in several suburbs.

A boil water notice has been issued for parts of Hillsborough, Mt Roskill, Royal Oak and Three Kings, affecting around 7500 households.

Watercare says the move is a precaution after routine testing detected traces of E. coli in one sample.

Residents in the affected areas are being asked to boil tap water or use bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth, making ice, washing dishes and preparing food.

In a statement, Watercare said the notice had been issued "as a safety measure".

"This means affected residents are advised to boil drinking water until further notice."

Residents in several Auckland suburbs are being urged to boil tap water or use bottled supplies as authorities investigate the source of contamination. Photo/Watercare

Authorities stress that not all streets in the listed suburbs are affected, and detailed maps are available online.

Watercare chief operations officer Mark Bourne said the decision was made to protect public health while investigations continue.

"We understand a boil water notice is disruptive for households and businesses, but this is a precautionary step we've taken to protect public health after a single E. coli result from routine testing," he said.

Photo/Watercare

"All other test results were normal, and there is currently no evidence of a wider issue beyond the affected area."

Officials say boiling water is a simple and effective way to make it safe.

"Boiling water in an electric kettle is sufficient to kill bacteria and other organisms. The water only needs to be boiled once and can then be cooled before use."

Watercare says there is no sign of a wider problem across Auckland, but it is taking a cautious approach.

"Watercare understands the disruption this notice will cause for households and businesses, but says acting cautiously is essential in the interest of public health. There is no evidence of a wider issue across the region."

To support residents, two public water tankers have been set up at Big King Reserve on Duke Street and at Hillsborough Park car park on Carlton Street.

"These tankers will remain available overnight and until the issue is resolved. Customers should bring clean containers to collect water."