Thursday 25 August 2011

Water restrictions this summer

Water restrictions will be in place this summer as a result of earthquake damage to the city's water supply network.

The Council today (Thursday 25 August) approved plans for necessary water supply upgrades at two locations across the city.

Even with these planned upgrades, and further ongoing work to repair the earthquake damaged system, Council Water and Waste Manager Mark Christison says increased water restrictions will be necessary this summer.

"Restrictions will come into force from October this year. We still need to carry out more investigations to determine the level of water restrictions that will be required, however it is likely to mean no hosing or watering of gardens on at least one day of the week, with odd- and even-numbered properties given alternate days when they are allowed to carry out hand-held watering," he says.

A maximum water use level of 8200 cubic metres an hour will be targeted and if this is exceed at any stage, a total hosing and irrigation ban will be imposed. Other outdoor uses such as washing cars using buckets will be permitted.

More details about the restrictions will be published in coming weeks. The Council will also continue to run its annual Waterwise campaign, offering residents tips and information on how they can conserve water and help protect our supplies for the future.

Rawhiti Domain
The Council today agreed three new wells will be drilled and a new pumping station installed at Rawhiti Domain following the destruction of the Palmers Road pumping station during the earthquakes.

A new well in this area is considered critical to maintaining the water supply to the eastern suburbs during peak summer use. The installation of a new pumping station will make the system more robust.

Huntsbury Playground
A new pumping station and associated pipe work and cabling will be installed in the Huntsbury Playground. This will replace the pumping station next to the former Huntsbury number one reservoir which is not in operation due to earthquake damage.

The new pumping station will supply three reservoirs further up the hill. These are currently being supplied through an alternative system, however this has a limited capacity. Work on the new pumping station is required urgently to secure water supply to the area for summer.

ENDS

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