The Deep Stream water supply to Dunedin is expected to be back in service by the middle of next week, after testing confirmed it was now safe to drink following a major fire last month, the Dunedin City Council says.
The catchment and reservoir, which usually provides 80% of the city's drinking water, has been out of action since a fire which burnt through 75% of the catchment last month.
The fire had contaminated the catchment with ash and run-off containing fire suppressant chemicals.
It was initially feared the water source could be out of action for up to a year, but DCC 3 Waters group manager Tom Dyer said yesterday the catchment had been given the all-clear after testing and a risk assessment.
"We started a recommissioning process yesterday, and will have the Deep Stream catchment back in service by the middle of next week," he said.
He thanked the public for their "patience and co-operation" while voluntarily conserving water, but asked for the effort to continue for another week yet.
"While it’s highly likely we’ll be able to restart taking water from Deep Stream next week, we’d like to remind people that the voluntary water restriction will remain in place for another week, particularly as the weather is now warming up."
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