Awatere water leak update - residents urged to conserve water

Update No. 2

Residents supplied by the Awatere water network are being urged to conserve water immediately as Council crews continue working to locate a major leak affecting the network.

Despite work overnight, the exact location of the leak has not yet been found.

Council engineers and contractors are continuing work this morning to locate the leak and determine the repair required. Earlier investigations indicated the problem may be associated with the section of the water main that crosses beneath the Awatere River, which could make the repair complex.

The Rural Awatere supply water storage tanks are now empty, while the Seddon water supply tank is at approximately 40 per cent capacity.

Marlborough Waters Establishment Chief Executive Richard Coningham said conserving the remaining water supply was the most important thing residents could do right now.

“We need everyone connected to the affected supply to use as little water as possible. Please keep water use to essential drinking, cooking and hygiene needs only,” Mr Coningham said.

“Every bit of water people can save today will help us maintain the available supply while crews continue searching for the leak, and we bring in additional drinking water to the area.”

People are also asked to avoid all non-essential water use, including watering gardens and washing vehicles.

Water will be trucked in this morning to replenish storage tanks and maintain essential supplies.

Council is also working to make the Awatere Memorial Hall in Seddon available as a drinking water collection point for rural Awatere residents. People will need to bring their own clean containers to fill.

Further details, including when the collection point will be available, will be provided as soon as arrangements are confirmed. Residents should continue conserving water until further notice.

Further updates and advice will be provided today.