Dunedin (Wednesday, 21 November 2018) – The clean-up is underway following heavy rain in Dunedin city yesterday.

The Emergency Operations Centre closed last night, but a large number of DCC staff and contractors remain out in the field today dealing with issues from yesterday’s rain.

Overall the city has coped reasonably well. Most of the floodwater has now receded, however high flows and surface water are expected to remain in parts of the Taieri Plain for some time.

More rain is forecast this afternoon. At this stage we are not anticipating major issues as a result. However, we will be keeping a very close eye on the situation.

Anyone who needs assistance with emergency accommodation or has any other urgent flooding-related issues can contact the DCC on 03 477 4000.

Water and wastewater
Extensive flooding and wastewater surcharges affected Middlemarch yesterday. Middlemarch residents are being advised not to drink water from private bores as it is likely to be contaminated. Water is available from a tanker beside the Strath-Taieri Community Centre. People should bring clean containers to fill.

DCC 3 Waters and Environmental Health staff will be in Middlemarch today to further assess the situation and provide advice about cleaning up sewage contamination.

Taieri residents are also being advised not to drink water from private bores as it may be contaminated.

Water from all DCC supplies is safe to drink.

However, a burst watermain may be affecting the supply to residents on Coast Road and in Evansdale. Repairs are underway and fresh water will be available by tanker from midday. The tanker will be at the junction of SH1 and Coast Road, outside the old hotel/service station. Please bring clean containers to fill. We hope to have the water back on as soon as possible, but it will take time for people’s tanks to fill.

Wastewater surcharges affected some roads and properties around the city yesterday. Surcharges have now stopped, but it is recommended people stay out of all waterways and do not collect shellfish for at least 48 hours.

Road network
Earlier today, 23 roads remained closed in the Dunedin area due to surface flooding and flooded fords, most on the Taieri. Roads will be inspected by DCC transport staff and contractors today, with a view to opening as many closed roads as possible.

For road closures and conditions, go to www.dunedin.govt.nz/road-conditions. State highway closures are on the NZ Transport Agency website at www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/.

DCC contractors are busy working to repair roads and infrastructure around Dunedin and work is being prioritised. We are aware there may be potholes and minor damage in some places. We are asking people to please be patient as it will take us longer than usual to get to these.

Sandbags
People who picked up sandbags yesterday from the three sites in Dunedin and Mosgiel (Memorial Park car park, Hotel Taieri, and the Dunedin Ice Stadium) are asked to return these to one of the sites by 12pm, Thursday, 22 November. After this time, we will arrange contractors to pick up excess sandbags.

For people who asked for sandbags to be delivered to their homes, we will arrange contractors to pick these up later today or tomorrow morning.

Freedom camping
The Warrington Domain will remain closed until further notice.


St Clair Hot Salt Water Pool
The St Clair Hot Salt Water Pool is closed today. Extensive cleaning is required following debris and sand being deposited in the facility during yesterday’s high seas and heavy rain.

ENDS

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