Urgent repair work is under way on the pipe that brings the city's water supply from Waingake. Photo: Supplied via LDR / Murry Cave
Gisborne residents are reporting a strange taste and marks on their washing due to elevated iron levels in their water.
The district council says the iron occurs naturally in the Waipaoa River, and the water has been treated and is safe to drink.
The Waipaoa River is acting as a backup water supply while the main pipeline, connecting the larger Waingake treatment plant to the city, is repaired following multiple breaks during Cyclone Gabrielle more than a month ago.
Council community lifelines director David Wilson said high iron levels could be turning tap water slightly brown, staining dishes and laundry, and causing a metallic taste in food and beverages.
Despite this, the water still met the country's safe drinking water standards.
The council had received one direct request for service about the laundry staining issue, and had seen comments on its Facebook page from concerned residents.
The region remains under strict water conservation rules, including no outdoor water use, limited availability for businesses including the fruit and vegetable industry, and mandatory reduction strategies for hospitality businesses.
"Our supply from the Waipaoa Treatment Plant is just breaking even with the demand," Wilson said.
"The good news is this settled weather is helping our teams get stuck in and there is rapid progress on the restoration of the main city supply pipes from Waingake.
"The water pipeline has been rebuilt and reconnected at all the damaged sites," he said. "However, there are structural works still to complete before the valves can be opened."
Wilson said some level of treated supply from the Waingake pipeline to Gisborne was on track for the end of March.