Six dead mice are to blame for contaminating Putāruru’s water supply.
South Waikato District Council communications officer Sina Tolovae said the Putāruru water supply was now safe to use again without boiling.
* Boiled water notice issued for Putāruru after E coli found in water * Councils facing $500m bill to meet stringent new recommendations on drinking water quality * Contamination warnings at two Hawke’s Bay swimming spots "The mice had entered through a small hole four to six metres off the ground," she said.
"It was only possible to see them after the reservoir was emptied as part of the investigation process into the E.coli result," she said.
On top we have a roof like a cone to stop stuff getting into the top of the reservoir and around the tank is aluminium sheeting that stops vermin from climbing up it.
Tolovae said hole has since been repaired and the water supply given the all clear by the Ministry of Health.
"The reservoir was emptied, cleaned and disinfected.
The last full inspection was November 2017.
We will consider whether more frequent inspections are required."
While the council distributed the message within 30 minutes on Friday via its website, Facebook page, a push notification sent to people’s smartphones, at the medical centre, rest homes, key community groups, and the distribution of pamphlets, some residents were unaware until Monday.