Take care with water, health officials warn

Health and city officials are urging Christchruch residents to take precautions with water to avoid any health risks.

Toilet flushes should be minimised and drinking water should continue to boiled, the Christchurch City Council says.

Water tankers are being provided at Parkview School and the Linwood Welfare Centre.

A council spokeswoman said people should take a large container, such as a bucket, to collect water."There are still significant issues with the sewage system so everyone is asked to keep toilet flushes to a minimum.''

Meanwhile, the Canterbury District Health Board has issued some tips on how residents can avoid getting sick with stomach bugs and other illnesses.

1)People living in the Christchurch, Waimakariri and Selwyn districts should assume at the moment that tap water is unsafe and contaminated. All tap water should be boiled for three minutes before drinking, brushing teeth or washing/preparing food.

Councils will be testing water supplies intensively over the next few days and will advise when water is safe to use without boiling.

2) Avoid contact with sewage.  Assume river, sea water and any other surface water is contaminated with sewage.  Do not swim, fish or gather shellfish in the sea or Canterbury rivers until notified.

3)Use as little water as possible to flush your toilet if you have water.  If you don't have water, make a temporary toilet with a bin lined with two plastic  bags. Cover the bin between uses.  The contents can be  buried when the bin is no longer needed.

4)The Civil Defence controller and Canterbury Medical officer of Health have declared that public buildings including schools in the affected parts of Canterbury should not be entered until 9am Wednesday morning unless they have been declared safe by an engineer.

5) Remember handwashing stops diseases spreading.  If you do not have water, alcohol gel is a good alternative.  You do not need to dry your hands if you use alcohol gel.

6) It is important for people to look after each other.  Keep in touch with families, friends and neighbours and support each other.

7) If you are unwell with a minor injury or illness and need medical assistance call your General Practice or nearest after hours surgery. Please keep the Emergency Department for emergencies only.  If you need an ambulance dial 111.

Water stations set up

Five water stations have been set up around quake-ravaged Christchurch for those still without running water.

Water would be available from tankers at the corner of Locksley Ave and McBratneys Rd in Dallington and Anzac Drive and Birch St in Bexley until 3pm.

From 4pm-8pm, water tankers would be stationed at Central New Brighton School, Palmers Rd and Rocking Horse Rd in New Brighton.

Christchurch City Council said people should bring their own containers and boil the water for three minutes.

- © Fairfax NZ News