In response, the Central Otago District Council has promised the area a water upgrade by next July.
Yesterday marked the 28th day of a "boil water" notice for Omakau and Ophir, which began when the region was hit by heavy flooding last month.
The notices are a common occurrence for the area as its water is sourced from the flood-prone Manuherikia River.
Although it is treated with chlorine, during flooding the water becomes dirty, which lowers the effectiveness of the treatment. It means bacteria is unlikely to be killed in the process.
"When you’re running a business, boiling water just doesn’t cut it."
Omakau School principal Tracy Richmond said the present boil water notice was particularly inconvenient because of its length. The school, as with the rest of the community, was very keen to see the problem fixed, she said.
The district council provided a fresh water tank for the town outside the school, but it could freeze over on frosty mornings.
Tourists would come and pour a bath to find brown water coming out of the tap, he said.
"There are a number of people of retirement age in the community who have to go up to the school to get the water.
"We don’t want a Rolls-Royce. We just want something that’s cost-effective and good for us."
Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan said a new water system should be built by about July next year.
"It’s always been high on the council’s list of priorities. The flood just emphasised that need."
It was a huge inconvenience for some and a real problem for others, he said.
Residents had to be vigilant in the meantime and ensure they boiled their water.
It was uncertain how long the current notice would last, he said.
Council infrastructure services manager Julie Muir said the difficulty with getting a new water scheme for Omakau and Ophir was finding an appropriate location for a new bore.
It unsuccessfully searched for locations in the past and was now investigating others.
"Unfortunately, there is no obvious location where the gravels are deep enough below the river to locate a bore."
If a clear water source could not be found, the council would have to supply a better level of water treatment at a "significantly" higher cost. Bacteria could cause stomach upsets if water was not boiled, she said.
"This can have more serious effects in people who have an underlying health con-dition, and in very young, or elderly people."
Schools, early childhood centres and rest-homes were always contacted by phone when boil-water notices were established, she said.
