DIESEL SPILL EVENT #13

Households Encouraged to Flush Plumbing

Both the Raetihi and Ohakune water treatment plants are back in full production following the flash flooding from the weather bomb event on Tuesday (15 Oct 13).

The extreme weather event saw the level of the Makotuku Stream and Mangawhero River rise by several metres and flood the waste water treatment plants of both townships.

Ruapehu District Council (RDC) Chief Executive, Peter Till, said now that on Tuesday residents of Raetihi and Ohakune were temporarily asked to conserve water until potable water production was resumed.

“Now that both water treatments plants are fully operational again we are actively encouraging Raetihi residents to flush out their household plumbing as per Council’s instructions in preparation for getting the all-clear from the Medical Officer of Health,” he said. 

“Raetihi residents have been cleared to use water from the reticulated system for flushing their toilets only at this stage.”

“Now that reticulated water is available at people’s homes we are starting to hear stories of people using the water for other purposes.”

“Until the Medical Officer of Health gives the all-clear Council is unable to sanction the use of the water for drinking, cooking and washing.”

Mr Till said that both Council and our water contractor Veolia Water has been conducting regular testing across the Raetihi reticulated network.

“Yesterday we took water samples from five properties that have flushed their plumbing with the new water source to test for hydrocarbons.”

“We are expecting these results back from these samples tomorrow,” he said.

“Earlier in the week we took samples from the two Kohanga Reos, the primary school and the medical centre which had all completed the flushing of their plumbing.”

“The testing showed only a minor detection of hydrocarbons from a single tap at the medical centre.”

Mr Till noted that until the all-clear is given by the health authorities these organisations are using water tanks fitted with pressure pumps that are being regularly replenished by Council’s tanker service.

“Council’s water tanker delivery service, the stationary tanker on the main street and the household delivery of bottled water will all continue until the all-clear is given by the health authorities and potable reticulated water is available at every home.”

“Anyone who does not yet have reticulated water at their home for flushing their plumbing should advise Council immediately either at the Seddon St office or call 06 385 4447,” he said.      

ENDS

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