Monday, 25 September 2023

Update #5 from QLDC regarding cryptosporidium outbreak in Queenstown

No change to the areas of Queenstown/Frankton where residents and businesses need to boil water

QLDC Boil Water Notice Web News Updates 5 Sep23

Here is a summary of today’s key developments:

  • QLDC continues to engage positively with Taumata Arowai regarding the requirements of the compliance order issued on Wednesday, 20 September.

  • Council is working towards the commitment stated last week by Mayor Glyn Lewers to have a plan in place by end of this week; this will detail how we intend to meet the requirements of the compliance order with timelines.

  • There is no change to the areas of Queenstown/Frankton where residents and businesses need to boil water, nor to the areas where this is not a requirement; Upper Clutha residents and businesses do not need to boil water. See the full list below.

  • Case numbers confirmed by NPHS Southern stand at 31 – an increase of one since yesterday; see their media release here. There are seven probable cases, and eight under investigation.

  • Advice from NPHS Southern: The most common symptom of crypto infection is smelly, watery diarrhoea and stomach cramps. If you live in the Queenstown area or have visited since 18 August and are experiencing these symptoms, please call your GP and inform them.

  • The most recent test results (from samples taken on 21 Sep) were received yesterday and came back clear:

    • The raw water from the intake has tested negative at <0.5 oocysts/10 (ten) litres.

    • The treated water from the reservoir has tested negative at <0.4 oocysts/100 (one hundred) litres.

  • Whilst this is encouraging, it does not rule out the water system as a source. The primary limitation of the test is that it only provides information around the presence of crypto in that sample of water. Further, the testing does not tell us anything about the past (or the future). As part of a revised sampling plan, we are working to introduce 24-hour sampling of the source water. This will increase the sample tested and provide a more comprehensive picture of the presence, or otherwise, of protozoa in the source water.

  • QLDC’s Environmental Health team has arranged a drop-in session for food operators and members of the wider community to ask questions relating to the boil water notice currently in place: Tuesday, 26 September from 9.30-11.00am at Queenstown Memorial Centre’s supper room.

  • To further support the local business community affected by the boil water notice, a supply of safe potable water has been made available at the following locations:

    • A water bottle refill station at Earnslaw Park, Queenstown aimed primarily at those visiting or working in the CBD to refill drinking water bottles.

    • Two large tankers at Athol Street Car Park, Queenstown.

    • Two large tankers at Queenstown Event Centre (QEC), Frankton.

    • The community is asked to take water responsibly so those most in need can have a share.

  • The adult hot pool at Alpine Aqualand remains closed as a precaution until further notice while staff review its separate filtration system; this decision was made in line with advice from NPHS Southern.

  • Whilst all other pools remain open as normal, the following preventative measures have been in place since Thursday, 21 September at the facility in line with Recreation Aotearoa’s Cryptosporidium Protocol For Swimming Pools (noting these measures do not apply at Wānaka Recreation Centre):

    • cancelling learn to swim classes (including school lessons) for under-8s;

    • advising parents that although the final decision remains with them, QLDC does not advise under-8s use the pools while there is cryptosporidium in the community;

    • similarly advising that pregnant women, immunocompromised people and babies do not use the pool while cryptosporidium is in the community; and

    • advising the community in general that if someone with cryptosporidium were to use the pools at Alpine Aqualand that there is a chance that it could infect someone else.

 

Areas where people should boil water:

  • Queenstown town centre (north along Gorge Rd as far as and including Industrial Place);

  • Queenstown Hill;

  • Frankton Rd and suburbs on the hill above Frankton Rd;

  • Fernhill and Sunshine Bay;

  • Frankton including Five Mile, Remarkables Park and Glenda Dr;

  • Quail Rise and Tucker Beach Rd;

  • Kelvin Heights; and

  • Hanley’s Farm.

The notice applies to residential and commercial properties (including accommodation providers) that are connected to a public supply in the locations identified above.

Unaffected areas (no need to boil water):

  • Arrowtown;

  • Arthurs Point;

  • Lake Hayes Estate;

  • Shotover Country;

  • Upper Clutha; and

  • any properties on a private supply (e.g Jacks Point).

Boiling water kills any microorganisms that could be present. In the locations outlined above people are advised to boil all their drinking water for at least one minute (or use bottled water) for the following uses:

  • Drinking water – including cold beverages, ice-making and coffee machines.

  • Food preparation – including washing uncooked foods such as salad, vegetables, and fruit.

  • Preparing baby formula.

  • Washing food utensils.

  • Brushing teeth.

 

ENDS|KUA MUTU.

 

FURTHER INFORMATION | Kā pāroko tāpiri:

 

General information about how to stop the spread of cryptosporidium and what to do if you have symptoms provided by NPHS Southern:

How to help stop the spread of infection

The best thing you and your whānau can do to stop the spread of cryptosporidium (crypto) infection is to practise good hand hygiene. This means scrubbing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and drying them thoroughly with a clean towel:

  • After using the bathroom, changing a diaper, or helping others use the bathroom

  • Before eating or cooking

  • After handling an animal

  • After gardening, even if you used gloves

  • When caring for someone with diarrhoea

Other ways to help stop the spread of cryptosporidium infection are:

  • Stay home or keep young children home when you or they have an active case of diarrhoea

  • Don’t drink untreated water

  • Shower before using recreational swimming facilities to wash away any potential Cryptosporidium organisms on your body.

  • Don’t swallow pool water.

  • Wash all produce before eating it. Peeling the skins will also reduce your risk.

  • Take young children at the pool to the bathroom frequently.

  • Change children’s diapers often.

  • Stay clear of the water if you or your children have diarrhoea. Stay out of the water for a full two weeks after the diarrhoea subsides.

What to do if you have symptoms

The most common symptom of crypto infection is smelly, watery diarrhoea and stomach cramps. If you live in the Queenstown area or have visited since 18 August and are experiencing these symptoms, please call your GP and inform them.