People affected by the recent water issues in Pukehina Beach, Paengaroa, Maketu, Little Waihi and Pongakawa will be reimbursed through their next water account with a $5 discount.

The discount is to compensate customers who took Council's advice to flush their systems before using, says a statement from the Western Bay of Plenty District Council this afternoon.

Council is also offering to compensate anyone who incurred medical costs linked to the high pH levels in the water on receipt of a medical certificate.

These people should contact Council on 07 571 8008 to discuss with a Customer Service representative.

Council Utilities Manager Kelvin Hill says flushing of the eastern area water system is complete and pH levels have returned to normal, including for Arawa, Kaikokopu and Tainui roads in Pongakawa that required some additional flushing yesterday. He advises continued caution over the next 24 hours.

'Keep testing the water before use by rubbing fingers together in the running water and if it's slimy to the touch, flush until it clears.”

Kelvin says although the monetary cost to households was relatively low the inconvenience factor was high, and Council apologises to all those affected by the water issues.

A report on how and why the warning system at the water treatment plant in Pongakawa failed last week is expected in the next couple of days.

Background information

Council estimates the costs to customers who ran taps for 10 minutes and emptied their hot water cylinders at less than $3 based on the following formula.

• Running water for 10mins = approximately 40 litres a minute
• 40 litres x 10minutes = approximately 400 litres
• Emptying an average hot water cylinder = another 180 litres
• 580 litres of water in total = 65c
• Add in power costs to heat the water tank water up again 4kw/hrs @ $.50c = $2.00
• Total cost (in this example) $2.65c