Boil water notice over potential E coli in Foxton Beach water

A boil water notice has been issued for Foxton Beach over an E coli scare.

The notice came out at 11am on Thursday after the bacteria was found at two sample sites - Holben Parade Park and the Manawatū Marine Boating Club.

The Horowhenua District Council said based on initial testing it did not believe the town's water supply was actually contaminated, but issued the notice as a precaution.

The council said until the notice lifted residents should boil water for drinking, preparing food and brushing teeth, and infant formula should be boiled before use.

E coli can cause stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, but boiling made water made it safe, the council said.

It was carrying out more tests and would issue further updates.