Nighttime water outage planned for Ohakune over 26-28 March

Council is undertaking a programme aimed at identifying and locating the source of leaks from its reticulated (pipe) drinking water networks starting with Ohakune and then followed by Raetihi.

To minimise disruption the Ohakune drinking water supply network has been separated into ten zones that will shut down at different times from after midnight (00:30am) through to 05:30am over three consecutive nights on Tue 26, Wed 27 and Thu 28 March.

Information on the different zones, the water outage periods and the corresponding affected areas is available in ads in the local papers and on Council’s website and Facebook page.

Environmental Manager Anne-Marie Westcott said that water loss from Council’s reticulated drinking water networks either from leakage exacerbated by old infrastructure or unauthorized connections has been an on-going issue.

“In Ohakune’s case there is the potential for up to 30% to be lost.

“Our Resource Consent conditions and legislative responsibilities requires us to minimise water loss from our reticulated networks.

In addition any water loss is a direct cost on ratepayers and wastes a precious resource when we are seeing extended dry periods.

Ms Westcott noted that the work being undertaken is no different to a shutdown to repair a water main.

As is normal with work of this type any sediment in the pipework may be disturbed and while we will flush the mains once complete, people may notice some water discoloration and/or air through your taps.

This is quite normal and by running an outside tap for a few minutes should clear the lines.

People may also find their tap water can look ‘milky’ when it first comes out of the tap for about a week due to small air bubbles in the water.

This is completely harmless and will clear if the water is left to stand.

People may also notice valves in the road leaking for up to 3-4 days after work has been completed, this is also normal as they take time to seal properly.”

Ms Westcott added that Veolia will not start work before half past midnight (00:30am) and will endeavour to finish before 0530 each morning.

“We have planned for the work programme to cause minimal disturbance but due to the network valve configuration some properties may be shut off more than once.

While we are not expecting any delays in the event of an unplanned issue the water may be off for longer than stated and if necessary the work programme will be pushed back a day over Friday 29 March.

If people have any concerns or questions please call Council on 06 385 8364.”

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