A dead possum discovered during an inspection of a Roxburgh water reservoir has prompted a boil water notice in Roxburgh and Lake Roxburgh Village.

Central Otago District Council (CODC) issued the notice on Wednesday afternoon (February 11), advising residents and businesses on the council water supply to boil water while contractors flush the network in both communities.

The council said it was not known how long the possum had been in the reservoir, but continuous monitoring had shown no sign of any problem with water quality.

Those using tap water from the network were advised to boil all water used for drinking, brushing teeth, food preparation, washing fruit and vegetables, making ice, baby formula, juice and other cold beverages.

Two water tankers supplying fresh drinking water were available from 5.30pm on Wednesday at Roxburgh Area School and the Lake Roxburgh Village Hall.

The reservoir was immediately isolated once the possum was identified and will remain offline until full disinfection has been completed.

An investigation is underway to determine how the animal entered the reservoir, with any identified entry points to be dealt with.

Group manager three waters Julie Muir said the boil water notice was a precaution while the network was flushed.

“We know any boil water notice is an inconvenience to our communities, but we must be sure the water is safe to drink,” Julie said in a statement on Wednesday.

“We’ll lift it as soon as the network has been fully refreshed, which may be as early as tomorrow (Thursday February 12).”

The council said the water supply network was sampled three times a week year-round, with no issues identified in recent results, while routine inspections of the reservoir took place at least monthly.

Water regulator Taumata Arowai has been notified.

The council asked residents to ensure tenants, neighbours and visitors were all aware of the issue.

Find updates to water notices here

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