A sample from the treatment plant showed aluminium concentrations about four times the limit for drinking water, the Defence Force says.
12 Jun 2026
Residents in the central North Island town of Waiouru can once again drink their tap water, after the Defence Force lifted a 'do not drink' notice on Friday evening.
An emergency alert went out on Thursday night after aluminium was found in a sample.
Under the notice, tap water was not be used for drinking, making ice or food, brushing teeth or preparing baby formula.
Earlier, Ruapehu District mayor Weston Kirton said it was a disappointing situation and he apologised for the inconvenience.
Ruapehu District mayor Weston Kirton.
The Defence Force said a power outage at a water treatment plant was the likely culprit for aluminium being found in the water supply.
The town in the centre of the North Island is the site of an army base.
The Defence Force supplies water to both the military camp and the surrounding township through an agreement with Ruapehu District Council.
A Defence Force spokesperson said a sample from the treatment plant showed aluminium concentrations at about four times the drinking water limit.
Levels in the reservoirs and pipes were expected to be much lower, but still above allowable level.
A power outage outage appeared to have affected plant controls for a water treatment additive, the Defence Force said.
The plant has been shut and was flushed out.
NZDF had said the health risk from consuming water with aluminium above the allowable limit for a short period was low.
"If you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor or Healthline 0800 611 116.
Waiouru Primary School said in a post on social media it had been advised of the "potential issue" relating to the water supply.
Following discussions with the Ministry of Education and the board, the school closed all drinking fountains on Friday, remind students not to drink tap water and provide hand sanitiser in classrooms, it said.
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Read the full article at RNZ (Radio New Zealand) →A sample from the treatment plant showed aluminium concentrations about four times the limit for drinking water, the Defence Force says.
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