There is a leak in a fluoride tank at Tauranga's Waiāri Water Treatment Plant and the council said it needed to be replaced. Photo: 123RF
Fluoridation of part of Tauranga city's water supply has been suspended, less than six months after it begun.
In 2022, then director-general of health Dr Ashley Bloomfield ordered the council to fluoridate the public water supply, which the council started in 24 October 2024.
As part of the process a fluoride tank was installed at Tauranga City Council's Waiāri Water Treatment Plant, but in March this year a leak in the tank was identified.
Repairing the tank was originally expected to take six weeks.
However, in a statement the council said their contractor had deemed the tank irreparable and a new tank was needed.
"The replacement tank is anticipated to be operational in mid-June 2025," the statement said.
The tank had only been operational since November 2024 and is being replaced under warranty.
The council said the suspension mainly affects the water supply to residents east of Golf Road (Waiāri side).
The council said it would keep locals informed and would advise the community when the tank was back online.
"We continue to update the Ministry of Health on progress to rectify the issue."
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