Coffee machines require pre-boiled water

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) is reminding food businesses in Christchurch that water used in coffee machines needs to be pre-boiled due to Monday's quakes.

MAF Director of Compliance Geoff Allen says some people are surprised to hear that the boil water notice relates to espresso machines, which are plumbed into the city water supply.

“Most of these coffee machines only heat water to 80–85°C, which is not sufficiently hot to kill illness-causing bugs like giardia and cryptosporidium. These machines need to be turned off or hooked up to a supply of pre-boiled water,” Geoff says.

A range of other machines which are plumbed into the city water supply are also affected by the boil water notice, including slush-ice makers, ice machines, post mix guns, self-service soft drink machines and some water coolers.

He says that the only way to ensure that the water is safe is to boil it, killing off any bugs that are present.

“These machines should not be used until the boil water notice has been lifted or the water they are using has been boiled,” Geoff says.

Customers should check with their barista whether their coffee water is boiled.