Water supply residue causes some concern

Warkworth water consumers are noticing an unhappy side-effect of their new water supply.

Last December, Watercare switched over from a river supply to an underground aquifer. Around three million litres of water is being drawn each day from two bores, reaching 180-220 metres below ground.

The water is described as moderately hard, which is leading to a build up of limescale on some domestic appliances such as dishwashers, kettles and washing machines.

A Watercare spokesperson says groundwater absorbs naturally occurring minerals from surrounding rocks such as sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate.

She says the new treatment plant produces A-grade water and the process at the plant is designed to reduce iron and manganese content to well below New Zealand’s Drinking Water Standards.

“Bore water is often ‘harder’ than water sourced from dams or rivers because it contains more minerals,” she says. “Residents may find that vinegar combined with an extra large dose of ‘elbow grease’ may work the best when it comes to removing marks from the shower!”

Aqua Filter Rodney managing director Steve Reynolds says silica is causing water spotting “like locals have never seen before”.

“This is a cosmetic issue, but it can quickly ruin new bathrooms and windows – just ask a Snells Beach resident,” Steve says. “The secret is to not let it dry as a spot on the glass. So, to all those blokes out there, you will have to squeegee down the showers!”

For outside glass, Steve recommends washing with rainwater and drying windows after washing.

See this story online for more information about the groundwater supply.