Source of E.coli contamination in Wellington water still a mystery.
E.coli levels are still increasing in Wellington water, as officials try to track down the source of the contamination.
Lower Hutt’s water supply is being chlorinated, while artesian water wells in Petone and Dowse Square have been closed.
November’s Kaikoura earthquake is being put down as a possible cause of the contamination.
Lower Hutt mayor Ray Wallace said there was no issue more important than the safety of drinking water.
"We know many residents really value access to unchlorinated aquifer water, but public safety will always be our number one priority.
Wellington Water acting chief executive Mark Kinvig warned the situation wouldn’t get a quick fix.
"We’re carrying out investigations into the source but this is expected to take many months to complete."
Greater Wellington Regional Council chair Chris Laidlaw said they weren’t taking any chances with public health.
"We immediately chlorinated Lower Hutt’s water supply in response to the recent positive E.coli test, and we’ll continue to chlorinate while we investigate the source of the results.