The Whakatāne District Council and Whakatāne Volunteer Fire Brigade will undertake a fire hydrant flushing programme throughout Whakatāne in November.

The work is required to ensure the town’s water reticulation scheme - and in particular, the fire hydrants it supplies - remain in good working order. Flushing will be carried out between 8 am and 5 pm on 1 and 2 November in the Coastlands, Awatapu, Riverside Drive and James Street (west of Hinemoa Street) areas; and on 8 and 9 November in the Eivers Road, McGarvey Road, McAlister Street, Muriwai Drive, Wairaka, Hillcrest, and Mokoroa areas. Further maintenance will be carried out in the remaining parts of Whakatāne over following weekends, and announcements will be broadcast on radio to inform residents about the areas affected.

The flushing process will also remove accumulated sediment from the water mains, which may cause some short-term discolouration of the water supply. Residents are advised not to run taps, use washing machines or dishwashers or draw water from their hot water cylinders while the work is undertaken in their area. If discoloured water is experienced, a cold tap should be run for several minutes until the water clears. Laundry washing should be delayed until the water runs clear at the tap and the Council advises that a load of dark clothes be washed first, as discoloured water may remain in hot water cylinders.

In some cases, a slight discolouration may occur for a few hours after the work is carried out. While such discolouration affects the appearance of tap-water, the water will be safe to drink at all times. Water may also have a milky appearance due to tiny air bubbles trapped in the system. Again, this has no impact on water quality and the air bubbles will dissipate if water is left in an open container for a few minutes.

Other effects may include a temporary drop in water pressure and a more pronounced chlorine taste during the flushing process. If water pressure remains low, check tap and mixer screens for trapped particles.

Anyone experiencing continuing issues with water quality after the maintenance work is completed is asked to contact the Whakatāne District Council Operations Business Unit on 07 306 0500.

For further information on the maintenance programme, contact us.