Water restrictions
Pump issues mean less water
Central Hawke’s Bay District Council has introduced Level Two water restrictions for Waipukurau residents proactively before urgent pump maintenance on a critical part of the Drinking Water Network in warmer weather.
One of two pumps that delivers water to the Pukeora Reservoir which supplies the town is working at only 50 per cent of capacity.
Both pumps need to be fully operational to meet Waipukurau’s peak demand. Although there is a standby pump, a part from overseas is required.
The Pukeora Reservoir holds eight hours of supply in peak times or, under water restrictions, up to 24 hours.
CHB District Council chief executive Monique Davidson says while there is a risk the compromised pump could fail before it is fixed, water restrictions are a proactive precautionary measure to reduce the load on the pumps.
“Our team is moving as fast as possible to improve the security of supply, but we need help from residents in Waipukurau to conserve water to reduce load on the pumps,” says Mrs Davidson.
She said the compromised pump was installed six years ago and was unlike most other pumps used in New Zealand, making access to parts or replacements extremely difficult.
“We expect the part for the standby pump will arrive around Christmas and once installed we will switch on the reserve pump and disconnect the troublesome pump.
“Once the issues are identified, we’ll need to make a decision to either repair or replace the pump.”
Mrs Davidson said while that would improve certainty of supply, it did mean there wouldn’t be a further reserve pump until the compromised pump was fixed or replaced.
“The good news is that once this work is completed we will have a more secure supply which will include critical spare parts.
“We are trying to resolve the situation before the New Year, however it may take longer.
“We will keep our community informed if any issues arise, and we are continuing to work on contingency plans in the event the pump fails before it can be replaced.”
Council officers and contractors will monitor the situation until the pump is fixed or replaced and operational.
Council’s three waters contractor and staff will also be completing a leak detection study and a water meter monitoring programme over the drinking water network to ensure that all possible water is conserved.
This work is expected to be completed by Christmas.
“This is a perfect example of why our community needs to keep investment in water infrastructure at the top of our priorities,” Mayor Alex Walker says.
“Please support the council in their efforts to conserve water and allow them to resolve the issue before we all have a Christmas holiday.”