Residents urged to avoid ‘unnecessary’ flushing

O¯ PO¯ TIKI residents are being urged to avoid ‘‘unnecessary’’ toilet flushing as the Bay of Plenty is drenched with rain.

‘‘Our wastewater pump stations have become inundated with stormwater and this is having an effect on some household bathrooms and toilets,’’ a statement from O¯ po¯ tiki District Council said yesterday.

‘‘Please avoid unnecessary discharge of wastewater during these times to help the network recover (flushing toilets etc).’’

The council said portaloos would be available at the Rawinia Rangi Reserve (the old Rose Garden playground) for those who are having issues with their wastewater.

Meanwhile, transport agency Waka Kotahi recommended checking its Journey Planner website before heading off for information on which routes are affected by the bad weather.