Chlorine to be added to Birdlings Flat water

The Birdlings Flat water supply will have chlorine added to it, in line with newly introduced water regulations, while Christchurch City Council carries out work to upgrade the supply network in the area.

Acting Head of Three Waters Tim Drennan says the chlorine will provide an extra safety barrier and will ensure the water supply complies with the Government’s strict new standards that make it mandatory for owners of reticulated water supplies to add chlorine to the water, unless they obtain an exemption from the national water regulator Taumata Arowai.

“We have work scheduled next year to improve the Birdlings Flat wellhead. Once that work is complete we hope to be able to apply for an exemption from the national water regulator, Taumata Arowai, which would allow us to remove chlorine from the water supply,’’ Mr Drennan says. 

“In the meantime we need to add a low level of chlorine to the water supply. We will start doing that from 24 November 2022.

“People living in Birdlings Flat may smell or taste chlorine in their water. The chlorine is harmless but if residents are concerned about the taste, they can keep drinking water in a jug in the fridge. The chlorine taste will dissipate naturally over a few hours.

“We want to remind residents living in Birdlings Flat that while chlorine adds another layer of protection it’s still important to stay up-to-date with storage tank cleaning and maintenance.”

Work to improve the Birdlings Flat wellhead is expected to begin in mid-2023.