Queenstown's mayor says putting filters on regional water sources is expensive.
The area is in the grips of an outbreak of infections from a waterborne parasite.
Known cases of cryptosporidium illness have reached 21 - and the boil water notice could last for months.
The national water regulator has slapped a compliance notice on the region.
Mayor Glyn Lewers says there are a lot of water intakes, and six don't have filters.
"There is a cost element to it but there is a progressive program at work, and we try to manage those costs because of the rate burden on our ratepayers."
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