Murky water possible

Maintenance of a pump station in West Auckland may lead to temporary water discoloration.

Watercare will be doing essential maintenance near Triangle Rd from 10pm on June 24.

They have advised some West and North Auckland customers might see temporary water discoloration overnight as a result.

However, water will still be treated and safe to drink.

Water colour should return to normal by 11am the following day.

Watercare’s transmission manager Sharon Danks said Watercare chose to do the work at night while most were asleep to minimise the potential impact on residents.

She said the discoloration occurs due to mineral deposits, such as manganese, settling at the bottom of the water pipes and remains there.

‘‘When work is carried out that changes the direction or speed of water flow in the pipes, like we are doing at Triangle Rd, it can loosen these deposits and release them into the water flow, causing temporary discolouration,’’ Danks said.

‘‘We’ll be monitoring the water supply during the work and expect any instances of discoloured water, if they occur, to be brief.’’

Possible suburbs affected are Glen Eden, Massey, West Harbour, Greenhithe, Whenuapai, Hobsonville, Herald Island, Hobsonville, Te Atatu and Sunnyvale.

Residents are advised to avoid washing white laundry or clothing during this time, in case of accidental discolouration.

Waitakere Hospital and Westgate Mall will not be affected.

Constructed in 2015, the pump station will boost pressure and water flows in the North Harbour Number One watermain, which is at capacity during summer months.

It is expected to assist supply for the next 10 years until another North Harbour watermain and proposed Western storage should be in operation. If you experience discoloured water after 11am on June 25, phone Watercare on 09 442 2222 and select option one.

Find out more about the work by visiting Watercare and searching for ‘Triangle Road’.