Do you have Giardia in your drinking water?
If you rely on tank or untreated water in Rodney or rural Auckland, there is a real risk your drinking water could be contaminated with Giardia — one of the most common waterborne parasites in New Zealand.
Even water that looks clean can contain Giardia, as it is invisible to the naked eye, meaning many households are exposed without even knowing it.
What is Giardia in drinking water?
Giardia is a microscopic parasite that lives in the intestines of humans and animals and can spread through contaminated water. It is commonly found in untreated water sources such as lakes, rivers, rainwater tanks, and rural supplies where contamination from animals or environmental runoff can occur.
At Aqua Works, we help identify and eliminate Giardia risks by testing your water and installing proven treatment systems to ensure safe, reliable water for your home.
If you are unsure about the safety of your water, the first step is to have it tested. Give us a call and get peace of mind.
Is your water really safe to drink?
Giardia is invisible and can be present even in clear water — especially in tank and untreated supplies across Rodney.
Understanding the risk of Giardia in your Drinking water
How does Giardia get into your water?
Giardia enters drinking water through contamination from animal and human waste. In New Zealand, this commonly happens when bird & possum poo on roofs are washed into rainwater tanks, or when untreated surface and rural water sources are used.
Once in the system, the parasite can survive in water for long periods, increasing the risk of exposure through everyday use.
Why Giardia is a risk in Rodney & tank water
In areas like Rodney and rural Auckland, many homes rely on rainwater tanks or untreated water supplies, which are more vulnerable to contamination. Across New Zealand, waterborne diseases such as giardiasis are regularly linked to untreated drinking water and environmental exposure.
As tank water is collected from roofs, it requires proper treatment to ensure it is safe for everyday use.
When should you be concerned about Giardia in zour water?
You should be concerned if your home uses tank, bore or untreated water and does not have a reliable treatment system in place. Contamination can occur without any visible warning, and symptoms may only appear after exposure.
If your water has never been professionally tested, or your system has not been checked recently, it is important to confirm that your water is safe.
What DOESN’T work
Many homeowners assume their water is safe or rely on basic treatment — but Giardia is more resistant than most contaminants and requires the right system to be properly controlled.
Common approaches that don’t provide reliable protection include:
- Standard water filters that are not designed to remove parasites
- Low-level chlorination, which is less effective against Giardia
- Untreated tank or surface water
- Boiling water as a long-term solution
Giardia cysts can survive in water for extended periods and are not always removed by simple treatment methods.
For consistent, long-term protection, a properly designed treatment system is essential.
Make sure you install the right system the first time.
Health risks associated with Giardia in water
Giardia infection (giardiasis) affects the digestive system and is one of the most common illnesses caused by contaminated drinking water. The symptoms are:
Diarrhoea
Stomach cramps
Bloating and gas
Nausea and fatigue
Giardia symptoms can appear days or even weeks after exposure and may last for an extended period if the source of contamination is not addressed. Not everyone will show symptoms, but the parasite can still be present and spread within a household.
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Why water testing is essential
Giardia cannot be seen, tasted or smelled, which means contaminated water often appears completely normal. Without proper testing, it is impossible to know whether your water is safe or if treatment is required.
Know what you’re dealing with
A professional water test identifies:
- The presence of microbiological contamination
- Risks from bacteria such as E. coli
- Overall water quality and treatment requirements
Avoid the wrong solution & start with the right advice
Different contaminants require different treatment methods. Installing the wrong system or assuming your water is safe, can leave your household exposed to ongoing risk.
At Aqua Works, we carry out onsite water assessments to give you clear answers and recommend the right solution for your home. Testing is the first step to ensuring your water is safe, reliable, and properly treated.
How Aqua Works solves Giardia problems in your water
Giardia is highly resistant to basic treatment methods and requires a properly designed system to ensure safe drinking water. At Aqua Works, we provide whole-house treatment solutions that protect every tap in your home, not just a single outlet.
Proven disinfection systems
Our systems use technologies such as:
- UV water filtration
- Ozone tank water treatment
- Pre-filtration to ensure system performance
UV systems are widely used in water treatment because they effectively inactivate Giardia by disrupting its DNA, preventing it from reproducing or causing infection.
Designed for your water
Every system is tailored to your water source, tank setup, and household usage.
We ensure:
- Reliable protection against bacteria and parasites
- Consistent water quality at every tap
- Long-term system performance
Our Process: Test – Design – Install – Service
We make it simple to ensure your water is safe, with a clear step-by-step approach tailored to your home and water supply.
Test
We carry out onsite water testing to assess your water quality and identify any contamination risks, including Giardia and bacteria.
This ensures we understand exactly what you’re dealing with before recommending a solution.
Design
Based on your water source, tank setup and household usage, we design a system that provides reliable, whole-house protection.
Every system is tailored to suit your specific requirements — not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Install
Our experienced team installs your system professionally, ensuring it operates correctly from day one.
Systems such as UV disinfection work instantly as water flows through, neutralising harmful microorganisms.
Service
Ongoing servicing ensures your system continues to perform as expected.
Regular maintenance, including lamp and filter checks, is essential to maintain effective protection against contaminants like Giardia.
Don’t guess — Know your water is safe
Giardia requires the right treatment system to be properly controlled. Without testing, it’s impossible to know if your water is safe or if your current system is doing the job.
FAQ about Giardia in your water
What is Giardia in drinking water?
Giardia is a microscopic parasite found in contaminated water that can cause gastrointestinal illness when ingested. It is commonly present in lakes, rivers, and untreated water supplies in New Zealand.
How do you get Giardia from drinking water?
People become infected by swallowing contaminated water, often from rainwater tanks, untreated supplies, or surface water affected by animal waste.
How do you test for Giardia in water?
Giardia testing is complex and rarely done routinely. Instead, water is tested for E. coli, which indicates contamination. If E. coli is found, there is a high risk that Giardia may also be present.
Is Giardia common in New Zealand?
Yes, Giardia is one of the most common waterborne parasites in New Zealand and is frequently linked to untreated drinking water and environmental exposure.
What are the symptoms of Giardia infection?
Common symptoms include diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea and fatigue. Symptoms usually appear 7–10 days after exposure and can last for several weeks.
Can boiling water remove Giardia?
Boiling water can kill Giardia, but it is only a short-term solution and not practical for everyday household use. Long-term protection requires a proper treatment system.
Does a water filter remove Giardia?
Not all filters remove Giardia. Standard household filters are often ineffective unless specifically designed for parasite removal or combined with disinfection systems.
Is tank water safe to drink in New Zealand?
Tank water can be safe, but only if it is properly treated. Without treatment, it is at higher risk of contamination from animals, environmental runoff, and microorganisms like Giardia.
Does UV treatment kill Giardia?
How do I know if my water has Giardia?
Giardia cannot be detected by sight, taste or smell. The only reliable way to confirm contamination is through professional water testing.
Aqua Works Guarantee
At Aqua Works, we guarantee E. coli*-free drinking water.
This water meets New Zealand drinking water standards and all legal requirements.
This guarantee applies only when Aqua Works specifies, installs and is employed to service the UV filtration system at regular intervals to be agreed upon at installation, depending on your water quality.
Responsibility will not be taken if the raw water quality changes. Annual testing of ground and surface water is recommended.
*E.coli-free means no active E.coli & water that passes NZ drinking water standards.
Why Choose Aqua Works
Local Experts in Tank & Rural Water Systems
We understand the real risks of Giardia in Rodney, where rainwater tanks and untreated sources are common — and we design systems specifically for these conditions.
26+ years experience with local water conditions
Based on your water source, tank setup and household usage, we design a system that provides reliable, whole-house protection. Every system is tailored to suit your specific requirements — not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Complete Solution: Test, design, install & service
We don’t just install filters — we test your water, design the right system, install it properly, and service it to ensure long-term protection. Benefit from all trades under one umbrella! We make sure your water is safe, compliant, and protected.
Trusted by hundreds of local homeowners
With hundreds of positive reviews and long-term customers, we’re known for reliable service, expert advice, and results you can trust.