Pacific / Cook Islands

House of Ariki supports chlorination of Rarotonga water

10:59 am on 22 August 2019

The House of Ariki in the Cook Islands says it supports the chlorination of Rarotonga's water supply.

The Cook Islands News reports the house's clerk, Tupuna Rakanui, saying the country's high chiefs are yet to be convinced that chlorine is not safe to be used.

Tupuna Rakanui said the chiefs were aware that chlorine was already in drinking liquids such as Vaiora and bottled water, and that it was widely accepted overseas.

While there have been discussions about what effects chlorine might have, he said the bottom line was that the island needed a quality water supply.

The Ui Ariki held discussions about the issue following a visit to the Turangi water treatment plant last week.

It also reportedly met with the Te Vai Ora group which is opposed to chlorination.