Awatere water leak: Storage tanks replenished, Seddon boil notice

Update No.3

Water is being trucked into the Awatere area to replenish both the rural Awatere water storage tanks and the Seddon water supply tank while crews continue working to locate and repair the major leak affecting the network.

Residents are being reminded that water conservation remains extremely important.

Residents on the rural Awatere supply must continue to boil their water, and Seddon residents are now also being advised to boil their water as a precaution while trucked water is being used to replenish the Seddon storage tank.

Water being trucked into the area is being used to refill the storage tanks and will then be supplied to properties through the normal network.

Marlborough Waters Establishment Chief Executive Richard Coningham said replenishing the tanks would help maintain water supplies but did not remove the need for residents to conserve water.

“Trucking water into the area means we can begin replenishing both the rural Awatere tanks and the Seddon tank while crews continue working on the leak,” Mr Coningham said.

“However, we still need everyone connected to these supplies to use as little water as possible. Please keep water use to essential drinking, cooking and hygiene needs and avoid all non-essential use.”

Council will continue trucking water into the area as required while contractors and staff work to locate the leak and determine the repair needed. While the trucked-in water is potable some of the water trucks are ‘food grade certified’ and not classed as potable grade under water regulations, which is why there is a now precautionary boil water notice for the Seddon supply.

Water should be brought to a rolling boil for at least one minute and allowed to cool naturally before use. The precautionary boil water notice will remain in place until Council advises otherwise.

Crews are continuing work to locate the exact source of the leak. Earlier investigations indicate the problem may be associated with the section of water main pipe that crosses beneath the Awatere River, which could make the repair complex.

Further updates will be provided when more information is confirmed.