9 March, 2018
Wastewater network maintenance continues across the district

Waikato District Council is continuing its work to improve the wastewater network across the district.

Following on from the cleaning and inspecting of underground wastewater pipes in Tuakau, Te Kauwhata and Huntly, contractors have moved on to areas in Ngaruawahia, Raglan and Meremere.

Cleaning the pipes will remove blockages caused by objects like nappies, pieces of cloth and wet-wipes. These blockages can lead to wastewater spills, which is something Council is trying to avoid.

Once clean, the pipes can be inspected via Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras. The inspection provides valuable information about the condition of the pipes which helps Council plan what maintenance is needed.

Smoke testing is another tool Council is using to identify irregular connections to the wastewater network. Smoke is put into the network to see where smoke comes out. This identifies where the leaks are. In wet weather these leaks provide a pathway for rainwater to get into the wastewater network.

Council’s contractors HydroTech are due to start the smoke testing in Pokeno this week [note: week starting 12 March]. This work will continue until the end of May 2018.

Acting General Manager Service Delivery Jacki Remihana says this work forms an important part of a district-wide assessment into the condition of Council’s underground pipes. 

“It is part of Council’s ongoing commitment to improving wastewater infrastructure so that we can minimise any wastewater overflows or leaks,” she says.

Residents who have cleaning, inspections and smoke testing in their area will receive letters before work starts.

For those who have cleaning and inspections, the letter will advise residents to keep toilet lids closed when not in use while contractors are working in their areas. It also recommends adding a weighted object to the top of the toilet lid while cleaning is being carried out in the rare event that it causes a surge in flow in the wastewater pipes.

If there are manholes or access chambers on private property, the owner will be contacted and arrangements will be made.

Council thanks these communities for their support of this important work.

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