Hosing Restriction Applied as Proactive Approach to Pump Issue

Monday 10 December 2018 

The Central Hawke’s Bay District Council will introduce Level Two water restrictions for Waipukurau residents as a proactive approach, ahead of urgent pump maintenance required to be carried out on a critical part of the Drinking Water Network, coinciding with the arrival of warmer weather.  

One of two pumps that delivers water to the Pukeora Reservoir, which supplies the town developed a fault last week and is currently working at only fifty percent of its of capacity. Both pumps are required to be fully operational to meet the peak demand requirements of Waipukurau.  Although there is a standby pump, a part from overseas is required to allow contractors to operate it at the required capacity to meet peak demands. 

Waipukurau is serviced by water from the Pukeora Reservoir that has reserves to meet demand for eight hours of supply in times of peak demand or in the event of water restrictions, up to 24 hours. 

Chief Executive Monique Davidson says while there is a risk the compromised pump could fail before it is fixed, the application of water restrictions is a proactive precautionary measure to reduce the required 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 in order to reduce load on the pumps”, said Mrs Davidson. 

 Investment in Councils three waters infrastructure to increase resilience, is a big focus for the Council in the 2018 Long Term Plan, with a major programme of investment under the banner of #thebigwaterstory.  This issue provides a real example of when infrastructure is compromised, just how critical this investment is for Central Hawke’s Bay.  

Monique Davidson, 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 is replaced.

“However, 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 endeavouring to resolve the situation before the New Year; however, it may take longer.”

Council Officers and Contractors will monitor the situation until the pump is fixed or replaced and operational.

Level Two Water Restrictions – Hosing restrictions – will begin at 5pm on 10 December 2018 for Waipukurau. This is ahead of any restrictions in other parts of the District as we embrace the warmer weather.

“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’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. 

Mayor Alex Walker says, “This is a perfect example of why our community needs to keep investment in water infrastructure at the top of our priorities.  #thebigwaterstory programme in our Long Term Plan was built to address issues like this, which if we don’t get right now,  will restrict our district for generations to come.  Please support Council in their efforts to conserve water and allow them to resolve the issue before we all have a Christmas holiday.”

For more information visit our website www.chbdc.govt.nz 

Level Two - Hosing Restrictions:

All residents are restricted to using hand-held hoses only on alternate days for watering gardens and lawns. Residents whose property numbers are evenly numbered, or on the north/east side of the street shall only water on even numbered days. Residents whose property numbers are unevenly numbered or on the south/west side of the street, shall only water on uneven numbered days. We recommend watering takes place early morning or evening.

Authorised by Chief Executive: Monique Davidson
Media contact:
Monique Davidson, Chief Executive | P 06 857 8060 M 027 601 1711
Doug Tate, GM Customer & Community Partnerships | P 06 857 8060 M 027 422 9977

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14 December 2018

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