A boil water notice could be shortened for two Central Otago communities

Ranfurly and Patearoa are currently under a precautionary boil water advisory until December, while water treatment plants are being upgraded.

Both towns' water treatment processes lack a barrier for protozoa, and that could cause gastrointestinal illnesses.

The District Council's agreed to borrow a containerised UV unit from Selwyn District Council, to serve as a temporary barrier.

It could be operational by September, allowing the council to lift the notice three to four months earlier than expected.