FAQs - Awatere water main leak 2026
What is happening with the leak?
Council staff and contractors worked through the night to try to locate the leak.
The exact location has not yet been confirmed. Earlier investigations indicate the problem may be associated with the section of the water main that crosses beneath the Awatere River, which could make locating and repairing the leak more complex.
At this stage there is no confirmed timeframe for restoring the supply.
The initial indication was that repairs could take at least 48 hours and potentially longer. Residents should therefore continue conserving water until further notice.
Is Seddon still receiving water?
Yes.
How long that supply lasts will depend partly on how much water is used. Conserving water now will help maintain the available supply for as long as possible while Council works to bring additional water into the area.
Please do not stockpile water or fill baths, drums or other large containers. This will put additional pressure on the remaining supply.
Is the water in Seddon safe to drink?
There is currently no new boil water notice for Seddon associated with this incident.
If this changes, Council will notify residents immediately.
Rural Awatere and Dashwood boil water advice
Residents in rural Awatere and Dashwood, excluding Seddon, should continue to follow the existing boil water advice.
This advice was in place before the current leak and remains in effect.
What Council is doing?
Council and its contractors are:
- continuing work to locate the leak
- determining what repair will be required
- arranging for drinking water to be trucked into the area
- working to replenish water storage
- established a drinking water collection point at Seddon Community Hall
- closely monitoring the remaining Seddon water supply.
What you can do?
Use water only for essential drinking, cooking and hygiene needs and avoid all unnecessary water use until further notice.
Further updates will be added to this page as soon as information is confirmed.
