High pH levels in Western Bay water

Residents in Paengaroa and Pongakawa are being advised to check their water for high pH levels. File photo.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council is aware of potential water issues affecting a small number of properties near Wilson Road South in Paengaroa and Arawa Road in Pongokawa overnight.

Higher than normal pH levels in water coming from council mains were reported and flushed late last night and this morning.

Council advises the best way to test if your home system is holding water with high pH levels is to run the tap and feel if the water feels slimy to touch. Residents who believe they are affected are advised to run their taps for several minutes.

If left running most home systems should completely flush the water within 10 minutes. However, if you are unsure the best idea is to test to see if the water still feels slimy and if so continue flushing until it clears.

Council is investigating the cause of the problem and contractors are offering bottled water to affected homes today.

Council Utilities Manager Kelvin Hill says water with high pH is not unsafe, but can cause discomfort to people with sensitive skin.

Earlier this year a ‘do not drink the water' notice was advised for residents in Pukehina Beach, Paengaroa, Maketu, Little Waihi and Pongakawa areas due to complaints about the water quality.

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