Waipā District
Council’s investment into contingency planning ensured water continued to flow
for Ōhaupō last week, after a six-metre-long crack in a water pipe caused a
significant leak.
The water team found and isolated the leaking pipe, connected to the Parallel Road water treatment plant, within minutes of receiving an alert. The response plan, put in place for emergencies such as these, was put into immediate action.
Service delivery group manager Dawn Inglis said while all the investment into infrastructure and contingency planning largely goes unseen, this incident was a prime example of background work paying off.
“The initial response was to turn down the water pressure, so residents did not have to go without water while repairs were made. We had enough water reserves in place to only need a short-term conserve water message.
Staff were able to then quickly identify alternate supply arrangements that ensured a continuous supply to the Pukerimu scheme (Ōhaupō, rural areas, and the airport) while the repairs were done. This was a great example of planning the network to ensure, where possible, alternate supply arrangements can be implemented in a reasonable timeframe.
Ōhaupō residents also did their part, responding quickly to the call to conserve water, so we were in a good position heading into the next day,” Inglis said.
The treatment plant was upgraded in 2019 to provide additional capacity and ensure more than 24 hours of water reserves, ensuring we meet the national guidelines.
