Please note, this work has been completed.
Whakatāne District Council and Ōhope Volunteer Fire Brigade will undertake a fire hydrant flushing programme throughout Ōhope in November.
The work is required to ensure the town's water reticulation scheme - and in particular, the fire hydrants it supplies - remains in good working order. Flushing will be carried out between 7 am and 9 pm from Thursday 7 November to Wednesday 4 December 2019.
Flushing near affected properties will only take between 10 minutes and half an hour.
Radio announcements will be broadcast to inform residents about the areas affected.
Schedule
Thursday 7 - Wednesday 13 November
West End Road up to and including Bluett Road on Pohutukawa Avenue, Ōtarawairere Road, Brown Road and Cliff Road, and surrounding areas.
Thursday 14 - Wednesday 4 December
Flushing will be undertaken on Ocean Road and Harbour Road from Moana Street onwards, and surrounding areas.
Water Supply Routine Maintenance Facts
Why is routine maintenance required?
The Whakatāne District Council has to ensure that the district’s water reticulation schemes are in good working condition. Mains flushing, hydrant flushing and valve maintenance are essential elements of our routine maintenance programme and provide the following benefits:
- Removes sediments in water supply mains and improves water quality;
- Ensures fire hydrants and valves are operating properly;
- Helps identify weaknesses in the water reticulation system;
- Checks for closed valves that may contribute to weak flows and pressures in the system.
What should I do?
If you see water services staff carrying out maintenance on your street, avoid running tap water, using the hot water cylinder, and using the washing machine or dishwasher until the flushing process is completed.
What can I expect before and after maintenance?
- If you use tap water during maintenance, it could be discoloured and contain sediment. If you encounter discoloured water, leave the cold water on for several minutes until the water runs clear. In some cases there might be slight discolouration for a few hours after the work is carried out. While this discolouration affects the appearance of tap water, it does not affect the taste or quality and the water is safe to drink.
- Water may also have a milky appearance, due to tiny air bubbles trapped in the system. Let the water sit in an open container for a few minutes to dissipate the bubbles.
- Avoid washing laundry during scheduled maintenance periods. Wait until the water runs clear at the tap, and wash a load of dark clothes first as hot water cylinders can hold discoloured water for some time after the cold water clears.
- After the maintenance is completed, flush your hot water cylinder by running the hot water tap for a few minutes after the cold water clears.
- It is also advisable to flush the hot water cylinder after the hydrant flushing programme has concluded, to prevent any damage that may occur due to sediment accumulation in the cylinder.
- There may be a temporary drop in water pressure. If pressure or volume remains low, check tap and mixer screens for trapped particles.
- You may notice a more pronounced chlorine taste during flushing maintenance. This will dissipate when water is left in an open container in the refrigerator.
Should you have any continuing issues with water quality after the maintenance work is completed, please contact the Whakatāne District Council Three Waters Operations on 07 306 0500.