Christchurch water supplies now Chlorine-free

Christchurch residents have been presented with an early Christmas gift this year – a chlorine-free water supply.

Shortly after the 22 February earthquake, chlorine was introduced to the water supply to address potential contamination issues caused by damage to underground water and sewer services.

The Christchurch City Council, in collaboration with the Canterbury District Health Board, announced in November that it was in the process of removing chlorine from the city’s water supply - a controlled, gradual process that was estimated to take six weeks to roll out.

With the removal process now complete, the Council’s City Water and Waste Manager Mark Christison says Christchurch residents can rest easy with the knowledge that their drinking water is free from chlorine and remains safe to drink.

“The majority of water supplies in New Zealand have chlorine in them on a permanent basis. We are lucky here in Christchurch that our standard water quality levels are so high that chlorine is not normally required,” he says.

Mr Christison advises that chlorine will continue to be used periodically as part of normal maintenance and plant commissioning operations as required to protect the safety of the water supply.

Mayor Bob Parker says the removal of chlorine from the water is welcome relief for residents.

“Regaining the quality of our water is a major step forward in the recovery.”

“Chlorination of the water was necessary in February to ensure it was safe for our residents to drink, but I think we all agree that it is wonderful to have the chlorine removed and our pure tap water returned.”

* Residents are reminded that water restrictions are in place and everyone is urged to conserve water to ensure our earthquake-damaged supplies last throughout summer.