People living in Pahiatua will find out today whether their drinking water is contaminated or not.

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Tararua District Council has issued a boil water notice as a precaution.

Mayor Roly Ellis said the water is being chlorinated, but people will have to keep boiling it for the next three days at least.

He says the Council will release test results as soon as it's possible.

The tests are expected back this morning.

Workers spent yesterday afternoon going door-to-door with information leaflets and phoning schools, rest-homes, medical centres and sports centres.

Water should be boiled for drinking, making ice, food preparation, brushing teeth, and preparing baby formula.

People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, pregnant women, and some elderly may be at increased risk. 

These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.