Fluoridation of the water supply from Tauranga City Council‘s Waiāri Water Treatment Plant remains suspended.

In March, a leak was identified in a fluoride tank, requiring repair.

“Repairing the tank was originally expected to take six weeks, however our contractor has deemed the tank irreparable and are manufacturing a new tank as a replacement,” said a spokesperson in a statement released this afternoon.

The replacement tank is anticipated to be operational in mid-June, the council said.

“This allows sufficient time to install, test and certify the new tank before bringing it online. Fluoride dosing at the Waiāri Water Treatment Plant will remain suspended until the replacement tank is operational.”

This primarily affects the water supply to residents east of Golf Rd (Waiāri side).

The council said residents can be assured their water continues to be safe to drink.

The original fluoride tank was installed and brought into operation in November 2024, when the council moved to comply with the Director-General of Health’s directive to fluoridate Tauranga’s water supply.

The tank is being replaced under warranty.

“We are committed to keeping our residents informed and will advise the community when the tank is back online, and fluoride is reintroduced to the water supplied by the Waiāri Water Treatment Plant.

“We continue to update the Ministry of Health on progress to rectify the issue.”