Storm disrupts Kaitāia, Paihia and Ōpononi water supplies

Kaitāia, Paihia and Ōpononi residents are being asked to reduce water use over the next 24 hours after yesterday’s heavy rain event caused damage to vital water infrastructure. 

Far North Waters staff have been working through the night to repair damage to Paihia water plant after Waitangi River levels rose rapidly last night and storm debris blocked the plant intake preventing it from treating water. Levels in the town’s water reservoir, which supplies treated water to users, is now significantly depleted. Residents and businesses connected to the council’s Paihia-Ōpua-Waitangi supply are being asked to conserve water for the rest of today while repairs are completed and the reservoir refills.

Storm debris and silt choking the Awanui River have also stopped the Kaitāia water treatment plant from operating. Water levels in the town’s two reservoirs are now seriously depleted with one well below the 50 per cent. River levels are now reducing meaning water intakes can be cleared. However, the plant will require a full flush with clean water before it can restart later today. To prevent the need for water restrictions, Kaitāia residents and businesses connected to the council supply are being urged reduce water consumption for the rest of the day. The council has also asked the JNL triboard plant, which is a major user of the town water supply, to reduce its consumption.

Meanwhile at Ōpononi, a major leak in the water network has caused water levels in the town’s reservoir to drop below 45 per cent. Far North Waters staff were out soon after daylight this morning trying to pinpoint the leak and make repairs. That search has been complicated by very wet ground conditions. Residents connected to the Ōpononi-Ōmāpere water supply are being asked to reduce water consumption for the rest of the day so that their water reservoir can recharge.

Effective and easy ways to reduce water consumption include taking shorter showers, deferring clothes and dish washing, and flushing only when necessary. Residents wanting to clear silt and other storm debris from their properties are also being urged to defer the use of outside hoses for 24 hours.