Thursday 27 June 2024
Gisborne City residents are being urged to use water carefully after a break in a water supply main pipe from the dams happened late yesterday afternoon.
The break occurred after a landslide above the underground pipe, which was responsible for delivering raw water to the Waingake Treatment Plant.
Unfortunately, accessing the damaged area is challenging due to adverse weather conditions and saturated ground. Large machinery is being deployed but the repair may be delayed until conditions improve, says Gisborne District Council Drinking Water Manager Judith Robertson.
The outlet valves at the dams have been closed to prevent water flow to the affected section.
“Yesterday, the alternative water supply from the Waipaoa Treatment Plant was started up and will be operating later today helping supplement the supply to our taps.
“While there is sufficient water in the Gisborne reservoirs for today, uncertainty about repairing the broken pipe means we are asking everyone to be mindful of their water use and to conserve water.
“The look and feel of the water from your taps may change over the next couple of days as the alternative source comes from the Waipaoa River which has been in flood conditions.
“Please remember, the water is safe to drink and will meet NZ’s very high Water Quality Assurance Rules set by Taumata Arowai.
“However, please be careful with your water use over the next few days.
“We’ll keep you updated on progress, we’re hoping for some dry weather."
Further update 4:30pm 27 June 2024
- The Waipaoa treatment plant is operating
- Contractors are working to fix the break and are aiming to have this completed by the end of the day.
- Please be mindful of your water use over the weekend while the reservoirs replenish.
- If you need to clean up storm debris or silt at your property, please use rakes or spades instead of using water to wash away.
Last update for day 8.30pm 27 June 2024
- Success
- The Waingake pipeline was fixed this evening and water supply from the Waingake Treatment Plant will resume tonight.
- Both the Waingake Treatment Plant and the Waipaoa Treatment Plant will be in service over the holiday weekend replenishing the city's storage reservoirs.
- Thank you to Council's contractors and water plant staff for fixing the pipeline and getting the treatment plants back to operation in difficult storm conditions.
The section of pipe that broke above after a landslide. The outlet to this pipe has been closed and the alternative water treatment plan started up for Gisborne residents.