2 February 2017

FINAL UPDATE THIS EVENING: WATER SERVICES RESTORED – CONSERVATION STILL NEEDED

Great work by our City Delivery and City Waters teams – and a concerted water-saving effort by residents - have seen water pressure levels recover across Hamilton after this morning’s major pipe breach. We will be reassessing our water alert levels, but at the moment we are asking residents to avoid outdoor water usage over the long weekend. Normal indoor usage should be fine.

Only one of the two bulk main pipes supplying the Eastern part of the city has been made operational, and it may be some time before we can get service fully restored.

As water supply comes back tonight and particularly in the morning you may see discoloured or cloudy water for a short time. This is normal after pipe flushing, is not a health concern, and normally goes away after running the tap for a few minutes.

Thanks again for your support, we will update again tomorrow morning.

UPDATE: 8.15PM THURSDAY: REPAIR PROGRESSING BUT WATER SAVINGS STILL NEEDED IN HAMILTON

Hamilton City Council staff are continuing repair work on a major issue with the city’s Eastern Bulk Water Main.

The Eastern Bulk Main supplies around 27,000 homes and runs under the Waikato River from the city’s water treatment plant opposite Hamilton Gardens. A substantial section of the riverbank collapsed around the Bulk Main and there was a significant water leak at the site earlier today.

City Waters Unit Manager Maire Porter says staff are now in the next phase of the repair and pressure is slowly coming back but there are still likely water pressure-loss issues around the city as air is cleared from the network.

“It’s important for residents to be aware there are no water quality issues, it is simply that the city needs to make the available water go further. The repair work has created another short-term issue for the city as air which has entered the pipes has to be cleared. This ‘bubble’ of air is being pushed out around the city, which will mean short periods of lower pressure as it travels around Hamilton.

“We need to flush sections of the network to release this trapped air. You may see some of our crews flushing water from fire hydrants. You may also experience cloudy or discoloured water for a short time and ‘sputtering’ water supply as trapped air comes through your taps. Please continue to try to conserve water as we fix this issue,” Maire Porter says.

“We really appreciate how people have made an effort to reduce water usage today. Our teams are doing a great job in really difficult conditions tonight – bear with us as we get it sorted,” she says.

Until both pipes can be repaired fully, water will be largely supplied to the Eastern side of the city via the Western Bulk Main and from water stored in reservoirs. This means the concerted water conservation effort will need to be continued for now.

UPDATE: 7PM THURSDAY: We are now in the next stage of our repair, but still need people to try to conserve water this evening as our hard-working crews continue their efforts. We are endeavouring to get one of the two pipes operating, but this will still mean a reduced water supply to the city. Part of this phase of the repair means we need to flush sections of the network to release trapped air, which means you may see some of our crews flushing water from fire hydrants. You may also experience cloudy or discoloured water for a short time and ‘sputtering’ water supply as trapped air comes through your taps. This work will continue for the next few hours. We will update by 9pm with progress, or earlier if we can confirm the first pipe is fully operational. If you have low pressure please bear with us – if you are out of water please let our call centre know on 838 6699.

Hamilton City Council is calling for all residents to urgently conserve water after damage to one of the city’s most important water mains. The conservation measures effectively mean implementing the city’s highest water alert level.

There are no issues with water quality but supply levels could be reduced significantly due to the damage. Alert Level 4 means no outdoor water usage is permitted, but residents are being asked to look at all water usage in their homes and businesses as staff work to repair the Eastern Bulk Main.

The Eastern Bulk Main supplies around 27,000 homes and runs under the Waikato River from the city’s water treatment plant opposite Hamilton Gardens. A substantial section of the riverbank has collapsed around the Bulk Main and there is a significant water leak at the site.

City Waters staff have been on site this morning making the area safe to work in, and identifying the extent of the breach and repair options.

Until the pipe can be repaired, water will be supplied to the Eastern side of the city via the Western Bulk Main and from water stored in reservoirs. This means a concerted effort will be required from the whole city to maintain supply.

City Waters Unit Manager Maire Porter says it’s important for residents to be aware there are no water quality issues, it is simply that the city needs to make the available water go further.

“Until we complete this repair we need everyone to play their part. This is a time when our city can come together to help each other out and we can get through this situation as smoothly as possible.

“We have a team of expert staff who are working to resolve this situation as quickly and efficiently as possible. We will be providing regular updates on the Council’s Facebook page and through media, however it would help get the message out if people can let their friends and neighbours know.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Nigel Ward

Communications Advisor

07 838 6666

021 273 4997

nigel.ward@hcc.govt.nz