23 July 2002

ARTESIAN WATER SUPPLY TO RESUME SOON

The $1 million contract to reline the Wellington Regional Council's bulk water main along the Petone Esplanade is in its final stages with some minor works to be completed before the upgraded main is commissioned, said Hutt City Water Supply Manager Gary O'Meara.

"All things going well, Petone residents will have their artesian water supply resumed by mid to late August," said Gary O'Meara.

The commissioning process involves flushing, testing and chlorinating water running through the pipe. Unfluoridated, artesian water will then be run through the pipe before supply is resumed to the public.

Petone has been supplied with a mix of artesian and chlorinated, fluoridated water from the Wainuiomata treatment plant since the contract commenced in late January.

The contract to reline the WRC's bulk water main was originally scheduled for completion at the end of April but major difficulties were experienced in installing the new lining.

"Those difficulties have been overcome but they did, unfortunately, result in an extended installation period."

The WRC have advised that they now propose to commence commissioning of the pipeline in early August with the return of the unfluoridated artesian water supply to Petone expected in mid to late August.

Petone residents did initially express concerns over the temporary supply of chlorinated, fluoridated water, said Gary O'Meara.

"Residents have, however, generally appreciated that the considerable work carried out on the water supply system over the last few years has improved the reliability and quality of water supplied to the community."

ENDS

Website: http://www.huttcity.govt.nz

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