'Ticking time bombs': Otago lead scare shines light on New Zealand's ageing water infrastructure

Some towns have not been compliant with water standards in 20 years, according to Water NZ's Noel Roberts

A lead contamination scare in a south Otago town is sounding water quality alarm bells around New Zealand, with one expert saying he would refuse to drink the water in some areas.

Earlier this month Dunedin council told the communities of Karitane and Waikouaiti that their water supplies had been returning traces of lead up to 40 times the safe level.