Podcasts about watercare

So, I was listening to the radio and a story really jumped out at me. I thought, “Wow!” The headline was: Porirua City Council has achieved a 0% average increase in rates. Zero percent! You can almost hear the whole country saying, “Wow - could I have that, please?” This milestone comes alongside zero cuts to services. Double wow. However - depending on your QV valuation - you may still see some increases to your rates. The Porirua City Council achieved a 0% average increase for non-water rates through a combination of a multi-year fiscal strategy, structural service shifts and targeted cost-cutting measures. But there's a clue in that sentence. When you first hear the story, you think, “Good on Porirua - it can be done.” You might also wonder why Porirua would ever consider amalgamation, especially joining the spending crazies in Wellington. But then there's that key phrase: non-water rates. That's the fishhook. Water rates have been separated out as part of Local Water Done Well. The newly established regional water entity handling Porirua's supply, Tiaki Wai, has announced an average 12.8% increase in water charges across the Wellington region - including Porirua - for the 2026–27 financial year. Ah, I see. So it's 0% for everything except water… which is up 12.8%. Uh-huh. And this was actually a detail missing in the debate about Auckland's 7.9% rates increase because that figure also excludes Watercare's rise in water charges - which has been announced at a further 7% on top. I doubt very much that any council, once water rates are included, will come in under double digits in this next round. So maybe the problem hasn't really been solved. I'll admit there is greater efficiency in our councils. I'll admit they're watching their spending - I've seen it happen, including in Auckland. But the fact remains: despite all the big PR messaging, there is no real, tangible decrease in the amount of money coming out of your wallet - or mine. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thousands of households and businesses in parts of Hillsborough, Mt Roskill, Royal Oak and Three Kings were under a boil water notice after a test showed water contamination. It turned out to be a tap, that has been replaced. But during the notice Watercare's advice was to boil water, so that's a hundred degrees celcius. If boiling on the stove it needed to be for a minute. A supplier of coffee machines and a separate coffee company told Checkpoint most machines do not boil the water and hit a maxium of about 94-95 degrees. Jim Graham the Chief Advisor Water Science at The Water Services Authority - Taumata Arowai spoke to Lisa Owen.

A well known Auckland cafe was forced to take an unwanted, all day, coffee break after E coli was found in the water supply to several suburbs in the city, prompting a boil water notice. The notice covers about 7,500 households and businesses in the suburbs of Hillsborough, Mt Roskill, Royal Oak and Three Kings, after a routine water sample showed contamination. Tap water in the suburbs needs to be boiled for drinking, cleaning teeth, making ice, washing dishes, and preparing food until further notice. Watercare has also set up several water tankers in the area. The notice meant Hillsborough's Hill House Cafe had to shut for the day, co-owner Peter Matvos spoke to Lisa Owen.

Watercare suspects a tap might be the cause of a positive E coli test that prompted a boil water notice across several Auckland neighbourhoods. The notice, which is still in force, covers about 7,500 households and businesses in the suburbs of Hillsborough, Mt Roskill, Royal Oak and Three Kings. It was issued after routine water samples showed E coli contamination. Watercare Chief Operations Officer Mark Bourne spoke to Lisa Owen.

Clear water without the constant chlorine chase starts with getting the minerals right. We sat down with Fridge Tweer from PoolRx to unpack how proper sizing, clean filters, and smart booster timing keep mineral levels in the sweet spot so chlorine stays low and algae stays gone. From backyard pools to large commercial bodies of water, we walk through the exact steps that improve clarity, reduce chemical costs, and shave time off weekly service.The conversation digs into the real-world variables that affect longevity: gallons, filtration, initial water quality, and dilution from backwashing or splash-out. You'll learn the telltale signs that your mineral level has dipped—rising chlorine demand, dull water, or that first hint of algae—and how to fix it fast with the right booster. For saltwater pools, we outline simple moves that pay off: lower pH to 7.2–7.4 on install, then dial SWG output down to 30–40 percent as chlorine holds longer. A touch of zinc in the formula helps scale resist sticking to salt cells, meaning less acid use and fewer cleanings.We also cover compatibility so you can streamline your kit: PoolRx plays well with UV, ozone, enzymes, phosphate removers, and borates, while avoiding bromine, sodium bromide, biguanides, and other copper-based algaecides. If you use Cal Hypo granular, dissolve and dilute in a bucket first to prevent instant oxidation stains; tabs and other chlorines are fine. With DE filters, consider recirculating on install or place the unit in the far skimmer and start at the beginning of a run cycle to help minerals dissolve into solution. Variable-speed setups benefit from longer initial run times to finish the dissolve. • lifespan drivers and why clean filters matter• signs you need a booster and which size to choose• commercial and large-pool scaling options• saltwater pool setup, pH targets, and SWG output• zinc's descaling benefits on salt cells• compatible products and what to avoid• Cal Hypo dilution to prevent oxidation stains• DE and variable-speed pump install timinSend us a textSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:https://getskimmer.com/poolguy Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y

Clear water shouldn't require a chemistry degree, a mountain of tabs, or weekly emergencies. We sit down with Fred Schweer, VP of Sales at PoolRX, to unpack how a chelated mineral system—copper, silver, and zinc—eliminates algae and frees up chlorine so your pools stay cleaner with less effort and expense. If you've battled microalgae, chased phosphate numbers, or watched high CYA slow your sanitizer to a crawl, this conversation reframes your approach with simple, reliable steps.We break down what “chelated” really means and why it matters for safety, stain prevention, and long-lasting effectiveness. Fred explains how PoolRX's unique chelation keeps minerals active for up to six months, even under pH swings and heavy oxidation, and why standard copper tests won't read chelated copper accurately. With algae out of the picture, chlorine becomes more active, clarifiers and extra shocks fade from the routine, and many pros find they can maintain 0.5 to 1 ppm free chlorine while holding crystal clarity.If you want to cut costs, reduce shocks and clarifiers, and keep customers happy with clear water week after week, this is a must-listen. Subscribe for more deep dives, share this episode with a fellow pro who needs a win, and leave a quick review to tell us your biggest algae headache—we'll tackle it in a future show.• EPA-registered, NSF-certified mineral system that prevents all algae• Chelation that protects minerals, reduces staining risk, and confuses copper tests• Phosphates reframed as algae food, not a chlorine consumer• Lower chlorine targets with stable clarity and safety• Practical tips to cut tabs, shocks, and clarifiers• Sizing guidance for blue, black, red, orange, and spa units• Overdose symptoms and how to correct them• Strategy for clearing mustard and green algae pools• Managing high CYA and regional challenges• Steps for simple setup, clean filters, and six-month performanceSend us a textSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:https://getskimmer.com/poolguy Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y

Nearly two months on from a sewage spill that completely destroyed their crops, Mahurangi oyster farmers are still waiting to see a full compensation package. 1200 cubic metres of sewage overflowed from a Watercare pump station in late October, contaminating thousands of oysters in the Mahurangi river and preventing the farmers from harvesting for nearly a month. Watercare agreed to give a million dollars in compensation to 10 affected farmers, who split it between them, and the organisation promised to provide a second payment before the end of the year. But as Evie Richardson reports, the farmers are still waiting and getting increasingly desperate.

Auckland oyster farmers are facing another blow just weeks after a major wastewater spill into the Mahurangi River. Watercare says heavy rain on 19 November caused 86 cubic metres of wastewater and stormwater to overflow into the river from a Warkworth pipeline. The Ministry for Primary Industries has suspended harvesting while tests are carried out, but growers say the spill has already wrecked their busiest season. Matakana Oysters owner Tom Walters told Kerre Woodham that, 'it's been a gutting year, and it seems to be the gutting cherry on top of it at the moment.' LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland oyster farmers are facing another blow just weeks after a major wastewater spill into the Mahurangi River. Watercare says heavy rain on 19 November caused 86 cubic metres of wastewater and stormwater to overflow into the river from a Warkworth pipeline. The Ministry for Primary Industries has suspended harvesting while tests are carried out, but growers say the spill has already wrecked their busiest season. Matakana Oysters owner Tom Walters told Kerre Woodham that, 'it's been a gutting year, and it seems to be the gutting cherry on top of it at the moment.' LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In case you missed it... Dom talks with Jim Aitken, owner of Mahurangi Oysters, about its ongoing battle with Watercare to stop sewage overflow contaminating its oyster crops in the Mahurangi River, how many oyster farmers are struggling to stay in business and what is being done to address the situation. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.

Watercare has agreed a compensation deal with oyster farmers left without an income after tens of thousands of litres of sewage spilled into the Mahurangi Harbour contaminating their oyster beds. A fault at Watercare's new Warkworth Wastewater Treatment plant caused the massive sewage overflow. Testing then revealed the harbour's oysters were contaminated, Forcing the oyster farms to shut down for a minimum 28 days. Mahurangi Oyster Association chairperson Lynette Dunn spoke to Lisa Owen.

A million dollar compensation deal with Watercare is only short-term relief for Auckland oyster farmers, who've lost income from a massive sewage spill in the Mahurangi River. The issue caused by a power surge at the Warkworth pump station has meant an almost month-long halt on harvesting. Watercare's now paid out one million dollars to Aquaculture New Zealand for distribution to 10 impacted oyster farmers. Matakana Oysters owner Tom Walters told Mike Hosking they're feeling relieved, but it's only a start. He says this cheque is just for the event that happened two weeks ago, and the payout would need to be much larger to fix the damage caused by the spillages that happened throughout the year due to outdated infrastructure. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 13th of November 2025, Sir Brian Roche is investigating Andrew Coster over the IPCA report. Watercare is set to pay a $1 million settlement to 10 oyster farmers affected by a sewage spill. FENZ is proposing to cut more than a hundred jobs, PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons explains how it will impact firefighters. Plus US Correspondent Mitch McCann has the latest on new allegations from House Democrats that Donald Trump knew about Mr Epstein's illegal behaviour and the latest on the US government shutdown. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

North Auckland oyster farmers believe a million dollar payout from Watercare isn't enough to cover their reputational loss. A power surge at the Warkworth pump station caused a massive sewage spill in the Mahurangi River, meaning an almost month-long halt to harvesting. Watercare's payout to Aquaculture New Zealand will be distributed across 10 impacted oyster farmers. Mahurangi Oyster Farmers' Association Chair Lynette Dunn told Ryan Bridge you can't put a price on not being able to harvest good quality oysters. She says stories about the wastewater issues mean all oyster farmers in the area have had their reputations damaged. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dom talks with Jim Aitken, owner of Mahurangi Oysters, about its ongoing battle with Watercare to stop sewage overflow contaminating its oyster crops in the Mahurangi River, how many oyster farmers are struggling to stay in business and what is being done to address the situation. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.

On today's REX Daily Podcast, Dom talks with Jim Aitken, owner of Mahurangi Oysters, about its ongoing battle with Watercare to stop sewage overflow contaminating its oyster crops in the Mahurangi River, how many oyster farmers are struggling to stay in business and what is being done to address the situation... And he talks with Rural Women NZ President Sandra Matthews about its ongoing centenary celebrations, the role it plays in the rural community and what's on offer for members. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.

Watercare and negotiators for oyster farmers north of Auckland have spent a second day in compensation talks after their farms were contaminated after a sewage leak, but they have yet to reach an agreement. A fault at Watercare's Warkworth plant sent sewage overflowing into the Mahurangi River last week, meaning farmers can't collect oyster for 28 days. Jim Aitken from Mahurangi Oysters spoke to Lisa Owen.

On Friday I interviewed a representative of oyster farmers in the Mahurangi area who were outraged at a wastewater dump by Watercare that had poisoned their oysters. They have to close for 28 days. One farmer has to dump 80,000 oysters. That's not good for business or their cashflow. As the interview went on I found out that this is not an isolated incident. It's already happened 39 times before this year. And even worse Watercare has the right to do a dump like this 200 times every year. I was flabbergasted. That seems like an awful lot of dumping. Then in the weekend I got a call from a local MP. She told me Watercare basically wrote their own consent. They needed to involve public consultation yet all they did was drop some leaflets at the Warkworth library. She's raised the issue with the mayor, the man who wants to make Auckland a global city, and Mr Fix it doesn't seem at all interested in fixing it. And now they dump the regions wastewater into the Mahurangi River and they're allowed to do that 200 times a year. It's killing the river. It's destroying the oyster business. It's decimated commercial fishing in the area. It's a symptom of intensification in the area. It's a symptom of the infrastructure being unable to cope with the new demand. And it's a symptom of the Council not having enough money to fix the problem and no desire to help the affected businesses and to rescue a wrecked river. Honestly, I'd rather swim in the Thames or the Seine than swim in the Mahurangi in rural North Auckland. The issue has been swept under the carpet by Watercare and the authorities and it's frankly just not good enough. Day by day clean green New Zealand is becoming a myth and a lie we like to tell. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Watercare says it is extremely disappointed and sorry that a fault with one its plants saw Auckland oyster farms contaminated and unable to harvest. The Matakana farmers are devastated yet another sewage overflow into the Mahurangi River has left them unable to collect oysters for another 28 days. Watercare Ceo Jamie Sinclair spoke to Lisa Owen.

A pump station overflow north of Auckland has resulted in the temporary closure of Oyster farms and the destruction of thousands of contaminated oysters. In an email sent on Thursday, Watercare said the pump station overflowed at about 2.30pm to the stormwater pond and wastewater began entering the Mahurangi River but the overflow was not stopped until 8am the next day. Chair of the Mahurangi Oyster Farms Association, Lynette Dunn, said to Andrew Dickens that this was far from the first time this type of incident had occurred. "I think by recording, we might be up to about 38 or 39 times for the whole year," she said. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oyster farmers are outraged after what is believed to be the biggest Wastewater spill into the Mahurangi River, this year. Watercare has told Oyster farmers an overflow of 1200 cubic metres happened on Wednesday afternoon but it wasn't picked up by its alert system. Mahurangi Oyster Association chairperson Lynette Dunn spoke to Corin Dann.

Oyster farmers are devastated after another sewage overflow into the Mahurangi River. Watercare believes a power surge tripped the pumps, and caused 12 hundred cubic metres of wastewater to overflow. NZ First MP Jenny Marcroft is the Oceans and Fisheries Parliamentary Under-Secretary and spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss

Watercare says a new wastewater plant will help significantly cut sewage overflows that have plagued oyster farmers north of Auckland. Kim Baker Wilson reports.

All the rain hammering the North Island for the past months has filled Auckland's water supply dams to 100 percent, the first time since 2023. Watercare head of water Sharon Danks spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

A North Shore woman says she's stressed out and being kept awake at night after getting an eight hundred dollar bill from Watercare, because its smart meter clapped out. The latest bill claims the Browns Bay couple used an average of 4342 litres of water per day. Added to the couples other catch up bill, they now owe Watercare more than 12 hundred dollars. Following a Checkpoint investigation Watercare revealed thirteen thousand of its smart meters have malfunctioned, and need to be replaced. As a consequence customers have been charged incorrectly and after getting zero use bills are now facing big catch up accounts. Watercare customer Lizzie spoke to Lisa Owen.

A group of oyster farmers north of Auckland have been in a seven-year battle with Watercare to stop sewage overflowing into the Mahurangi Harbour. Victor Waters reports.

Oyster farmers north of Auckland have not been able to harvest this year because of pollution in the Mahurangi Harbour from a wastewater overflow in nearby Warkworth. Watercare chief executive Jamie Sinclair spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Auckland Council and its water arm Watercare seperate financially, but with it comes a 7.2% price hike in water bills for Aucklanders. Watercare's chief executive Jamie Sinclair spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

The watchdog that settles disputes about essential services like electricity and gas believes it should be mandatory for water suppliers to sign up to the scheme. Utilities Disputes is an independent disputes resolution service; its compulsory for gas and electricity companies and broadband installers to be part of the scheme. But it's voluntary for water suppliers. It comes after Checkpoint revealed 13,000 Watercare smart meters are not working properly, leaving some customers struggling to pay big catch-up bills and frustrated by Watercare's service. Watercare is a voluntary member of Utilities Disputes, which means it has to refer any complaints to the service, customers can't make complaints directly. Utilities Disputes Commissioner Neil Mallon spoke to Lisa Owen.

A huge catch-up bill has left one Watercare customer stressed out and "pissed off' and she says the problem is still not fixed. Checkpoint has revealed that more than 13 thousand Watercare smart meters are not working properly. It means customers have been gettting zero use bills; bills that claim they havent used a single drop of water in a month or in some cases months. Watercare said the problem is specific to a particular smart meters. They have installed about 40,000 of them since 2022, and there's a fault with about a third of them. Watercare chief financial officer Angela Neeson spoke to Lisa Owen.

Some Aucklanders have received Watercare bills that claim they have not used a single drop of water in the past month, or in some cases for months, no showers had, no toilets flushed, no house plant watered, no kettles filled; nothing. Online forums confused customers are asking about receiving zero use bills, others say they've had enormous catch-up accounts months after getting zero bills, all due to Watercare's smart metres. Checkpoint spoke to a few customers.

North Auckland oyster farmers have been hit with a wave of uncertainty. Norovirus has been found in the Mahurangi River where the shellfish are grown, resulting in contaminated product and closures until further notice. They're blaming Watercare and Auckland Council, claiming they let sewage flows get out of control before infrastructure could catch up. Watercare says a new pipeline should be completed in 2028. Matakana Oysters co-owner Tom Walters told Mike Hosking it's too little too late for many of the businesses, who have been begging for measures to be introduced for years. He says there's been no accountability from Watercare or the council, or compensation after the growth and development of the area cost them their farms and livelihoods. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Constraints on Auckland's water infrastructure could push up prices in the city's central suburbs. That is the warning from one economist as demand is increasing for land that is not affected by limitations to Auckland's water network. Last year, Watercare released a map revealing many areas of Auckland with water or wastewater restrictions, meaning new builds in those areas may not be able to connect to the water network until necessary upgrades are complete. Luka Forman has more.

Auckland has experienced it's driest March for 15 years and there's a warning that mandatory water restrictions could be implemented as soon as June if the rain stays away. Watercare head of water Sharon Danks spoke to Corin Dann.

Watercare's tunnel boring machine has completed a four-year journey, breaking through this morning. The development comes as Watercare has announced a $14 billion investment to renew ageing and failing pipes over the next decade. Meanwhile, Auckland water charges will rise by 7.2% from July as Watercare becomes financially independent. Incoming Watercare CEO Jamie Sinclair talks to Ryan Bridge about what the investment means. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland's water provider plans to spend over 13 billion dollars fixing the city's water infrastructure but households can expect to pay more for the upgrade. Watercare said it will embark on 1000 infrastructure projects over the next ten years in an effort to make the city's water network fit for purpose. Jessica Hopkins reports.

Aucklanders' water bills are set to increase as Watercare prepares to become financially independent and spend billions of dollars improving the city's water services. Jessica Hopkins reports.

Hibiscus Coast developers have been left "flabbergasted" by a Watercare decision that means their new builds can not be connected to the wastwater network. Late last year, Watercare announced that any development in the area not consented by the 15th of November won't be able to connect to the network until the Army Bay treatment plant is upgraded. That work is not scheduled to be completed until 2031. It has left property developers in the lurch they say Watercare has failed to do its job and that its decision willl stifle development in the area. Luka Forman has more.

Aucklanders are being warned to go easy on the long showers and car washes as the city begins to 'prepare for drought'. Watercare chief operations officer Mark Bourne spoke to Corin Dann.

Water is slowly being restored to nearly 3000 homes in West Auckland after a large water main burst yesterday, cutting supply. Watercare chief operations officer Mark Bourne spoke to Paddy Gower.

In this episode, we discuss Watercare's new rules that will make Auckland's housing crisis so much worse. We share the new rules that will stop developers building more houses in Auckland. And the impact it will have on property investors, renters and homeowners generally. For more from Opes Partners: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok

Test results reveal drinking water in Waipā and Waikato District has slightly elevated arsenic levels - and Auckland's supply is back within safe levels. Auckland's Watercare and Hamilton City Council yesterday revealed levels were fractionally above the maximum amount in recent samples from Waikato River. Watercare's Chief Operations Manager Mark Bourne says they're tracking down the cause. "We've been able to share our results with the other agencies further up the river - and that'll help identify where, when and what might be causing this." Watercare says tap water is still safe to drink. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 28 November 2024, the first part of the Royal Commission into the Covid response has criticised vaccine mandates and the length of the lockdowns. Heather asks Chris Hipkins, former Health Minister, whether he thinks he should apologise for decisions made. Watercare's Mark Bourne with an update on the arsenic levels in the Waikato River, and why it took so long to tell the public about elevated levels. Plus the Huddle debates why we just don't seem to like fake meat, after plant-based food producer Sustainable Foods goes into liquidation. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elevated levels of arsenic have been detected in the Waikato River, affecting water supplies in Auckland and Waikato. The Government has been briefed this evening and sought assurances that water supplies are safe. Authorities are carrying out further testing with results due back tomorrow. Watercare is also rejigging the way it processes water to reduce the amount of arsenic in the city's water supply but said there was no immediate concern to public health. Steve Taylor, head of operations at Water Services Authority (WSA), told Newstalk ZB there had been increased levels of arsenic recorded in the Waikato River, affecting water supplies in Auckland and Hamilton. He said there was “naturally a level of arsenic” in the river, but it had been notified levels had increased recently. “I'm not sure what the reason for that increase is and that is affecting water supplies in Auckland and Hamilton,” he said. He explained the maximum acceptable value for arsenic is 0.01mg a litre – an “incredibly low amount” – but they had seen levels around 0.013mg, which is “marginally above the acceptable value for drinking water”. “The level of arsenic is above what we've described as a maximum acceptable value, but it's not at a level that we would suggest has a significant health effect. “There's no health risk in drinking that water,” Taylor said. “What we would expect is that those levels of arsenic would reduce over time.” Elevated readings of arsenic have been recorded in the Waikato River. Photo / Waikato District Council. Taylor said it is safe for people to keep drinking tap water. “The key thing about the maximum acceptable value for arsenic is it's designed for long-term exposure, so it's not an acute level. ”Unlike some other levels, you know, if you exceed that level, it has an immediate health effect – that's not the case with these levels.” Taylor said the WSA was only notified of the elevated levels on Wednesday and it had been “a very short-term situation”. ”We've contacted the [Waikato] regional council to try and understand what is the reason for this change in source water,” he said. Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has been briefed on the issue this evening. Photo / Mark Mitchell Local Government Minister Simeon Brown said he had been briefed on the issue by the WSA this evening. “I have asked the WSA to ensure that water suppliers in Auckland and Hamilton are taking appropriate steps, and that they communicate with their customers,” Brown said. “The WSA is the lead agency for this issue and will be providing regular updates.” Watercare reduces production at Waikato Water Treatment Plant The Herald repeatedly sought comment from Watercare this afternoon and it responded shortly before 8pm, saying it had reduced production at its Waikato Water Treatment Plant since detecting the elevated result. Watercare CEO Mark Bourne said the Waikato River supplies about 20% of Auckland's drinking water. ”We treat the water at our Waikato Water Treatment Plant in Tūākau and distribute it throughout the metropolitan network. ”In most parts of Auckland, treated water from the Waikato River is blended with treated water from our dams. However, Pukekohe, Buckland, Clarks Beach/Waiau Pā, Patumahoe, Glenbrook Beach, and Drury south receive water solely sourced from the Waikato River.” Bourne said Watercare had increased production at its major Ardmore plant, which treats water from four dams in the Hūnua Ranges. “This extends the processing time at the plant, and we expect it to improve our ability to reduce the level of arsenic in the treated drinking water. “We're working closely with other agencies and will continue to share information as we learn more.” The current minor exceedance of the standards does not present any immediate concern for public health, Watercare said. A Waikato District Council spokesperson said Watercare operates the local water networks in the area under contract. “Pōkeno and Tūākau are supplied by Watercare's Waikato Water Treatment Plant. There are also treatment plants that serve the townships of Huntly, Te Kauwhata, Meremere, Taupiri and Ngāruawāhia.” The spokesperson said samples from these plants were being tested, with results due tomorrow. Hamilton City Council's water supply remained safe for drinking, bathing, cleaning and cooking, following test results that showed small increases in the level of arsenic present. What is arsenic? The Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora website describes arsenic as a substance found in rock, which in some situations “harms your health”. It commonly enters the body in food and water and people can swallow small amounts every day for a long time without any obvious health effects. But swallowing larger amounts may cause long-term health effects, arsenic poisoning or death. Someone with arsenic poisoning may suffer from: Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Extreme tiredness and bruising. An abnormal heartbeat. A “pins and needles” feeling in the hands and feet. Arsenic can not be removed from water by boiling it. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's growing concerns that a lack of water infrastructure will slow down housing developments planned for parts of Auckland. On the Hibiscus Coast anyone without resource consent may have to wait until 2031 for a wastewater connection. The Army Bay treatment plant upgrade is not expected to be completed until 2031. Andrew Crosby of Xpect Property Limited says it's 'shocking' how much of Auckland has no water or wastewater capacity. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Watercare has revealed that 90 trucks a week are carrying waste from 300 homes in a new subdivision because they do not have adequate sewage connections.

Hundreds of brand new homes in the Cardinal West development near the Auckland suburb of Massey have not been hooked up to a permanent sewage system. Instead the waste from 341 households is being pumped to temporary tanks, before being trucked away. But the council's getting complaints about the smell. Watercare said the tank system is an interim measure, until permanent waste water infrastructure is established. That was supposed happen this year, but the new completion date is now late 2025, Henderson-Massey Local Board chairman Chris Carter speaks to Lisa Owen.

Dim makes a return to Second Guessing, taking out this week's win. On Isthmus'n That with Desley Simpson, Rachel speaks to the Deputy Mayor about Watercare's separation from Auckland Council and reduction of public bins around the city. Anna Coddington is in the studio to have a korero about her new single Kātuarehe from her forthcoming album, out in June. Robbie Nicol and Rhiannon McCall are on Stage Direction to talk about their respective Comedy Festival shows. On Ready Steady Learn, Kate Kersey from the School of Population Health is in to talk about her research into alcohol consumption demographics. Whakarongo mai nei!

Rachel speaks to the Deputy Mayor about Watercare's separation from Auckland Council and reduction of public bins around the city.

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour party Caeden chats to Priyanca Radhakrishnan about funding cuts to disability caregivers and job cuts at the Department of Conservation. For City Counselling they also speak to Councillor Shane Henderson about Watercare signalling an increase in Water Rates, and a boost in funding for arts in Tāmaki Makaurau. Caeden also speaks to Lola Fisher about the disestablishment of the Whanganui Youth Council. And they speak to Professor Ralph Cooney for the University of Auckland about the importance of communicating Climate Change to the community. Jasmine speaks with Devonport-Takapuna local board Chair Toni Van Tonder about their upcoming Youth Seat trial and the importance of youth inclusion and engagement in local government. And she speaks with Research Fellow Marnie Prickett about the Public Health Communication Centre of Aotearoa's submission against the fast-track approvals bill ahead of opportunities for feedback on the legislation formally closing tomorrow.