Disbelief on the outskirts of Dunedin -- on how long it's taken authorities to warn about toxic lead levels in the water

The Council discovered high lead levels in the coastal townships of Waikouaiti and Karitane nearly six months ago -- but only told residents to keep their taps off on Tuesday.

Waikouaiti-based community board member Sonya Billyard says locals are concerned at the delay.

She says fears sparked when it was revealed the high levels were spotted in December -- before it was revealed the Council first knew about it back in August.

Billyard says locals have been kept in the dark -- with no clear information.