12 August 2013

Water pipe swabbing to start Tuesday night

Palmerston North City Council will carry out trunk water pipe swabbing on Tuesday, 13 August from 6:30pm to 3:00am Wednesday morning.

The swabbing is part of an annual programme between the Turitea Water Treatment Plant and the Swabbing Chamber at the Fitzherbert Bridge for the purpose of removing sediment and minimising discoloured water issues.

“The swabbing process involves pushing a sponge which is slightly bigger than the pipe diameter through the pipe. It dislodges any sediment that has adhered to the interior surface of the pipe walls,” water asset engineer Dora Luo said.

Residents using the Palmerston North City water supply with the exception of Kelvin Grove area may experience discoloured water during the swabbing process and up to 48 hours following.

The Council advises residents to:
·        Reserve plenty of drinking water for the night and the following morning
·        Minimise water use during the swabbing night to avoid discoloured water getting in to the pipe system within your property
·        Check water clarity before using hot water on Wednesday morning to stop discoloured water making the way into the hot water cylinder
·        Check water clarity before running washing machine to prevent discoloured water staining the washing
·        Run the cold water taps for up to 15 minutes. If you do find the water is discoloured after swabbing, and ring the Council on 356 8199 if water is still not clear.

Advisories will be made on our Facebook page and on pncc.govt.nz.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause residents and we thank you for your patience,” Dora Luo says.

ENDS

© Scoop Media