URGENT WATER SAVINGS NEEDED IN HAMILTON AFTER MAJOR WATERPIPE BREACH
FINAL UPDATE FOR TONIGHT: WATER SERVICES RESTORED – CONSERVATION STILL NEEDED
Great work by our City Delivery and City Waters teams – and a concerted water-saving effort by residents - have seen water pressure levels recover across Hamilton after this morning’s major pipe breach. We will be reassessing our water alert levels, but at the moment we are asking residents to avoid outdoor water usage over the long weekend. Normal indoor usage should be fine.
Only one of the two bulk main pipes supplying the Eastern part of the city has been made operational, and it may be some time before we can get service fully restored.
As water supply comes back tonight and particularly in the morning you may see discoloured or cloudy water for a short time. This is normal after pipe flushing, is not a health concern, and normally goes away after running the tap for a few minutes.
Thanks again for your support, we will update again tomorrow morning.
UPDATE: 8.15PM THURSDAY: REPAIR PROGRESSING BUT WATER SAVINGS STILL NEEDED IN HAMILTON
Hamilton City Council staff are continuing repair work on a major issue with the city’s Eastern Bulk Water Main.
The Eastern Bulk Main supplies around 27,000 homes and runs under the Waikato River from the city’s water treatment plant opposite Hamilton Gardens. A substantial section of the riverbank collapsed around the Bulk Main and there was a significant water leak at the site earlier today.
City Waters Unit Manager Maire Porter says staff are now in the next phase of the repair and pressure is slowly coming back but there are still likely water pressure-loss issues around the city as air is cleared from the network.
“It’s important for residents to be aware there are no water quality issues, it is simply that the city needs to make the available water go further. The repair work has created another short-term issue for the city as air which has entered the pipes has to be cleared. This ‘bubble’ of air is being pushed out around the city, which will mean short periods of lower pressure as it travels around Hamilton.
“We need to flush sections of the network to release this trapped air. You may see some of our crews flushing water from fire hydrants. You may also experience cloudy or discoloured water for a short time and ‘sputtering’ water supply as trapped air comes through your taps. Please continue to try to conserve water as we fix this issue,” Maire Porter says.
“We really appreciate how people have made an effort to reduce water usage today. Our teams are doing a great job in really difficult conditions tonight – bear with us as we get it sorted,” she says.
Until both pipes can be repaired fully, water will be largely supplied to the Eastern side of the city via the Western Bulk Main and from water stored in reservoirs. This means the concerted water conservation effort will need to be continued for now.
UPDATE: 7PM THURSDAY: We are now in the next stage of our repair, but still need people to try to conserve water this evening as our hard-working crews continue their efforts. We are endeavouring to get one of the two pipes operating, but this will still mean a reduced water supply to the city. Part of this phase of the repair means we need to flush sections of the network to release trapped air, which means you may see some of our crews flushing water from fire hydrants. You may also experience cloudy or discoloured water for a short time and ‘sputtering’ water supply as trapped air comes through your taps. This work will continue for the next couple of hours. We will update by 9pm with progress, or earlier if we can confirm the first pipe is fully operational. If you have low pressure please bear with us – if you are out of water please let our call centre know on 838 6699.
Please share with friends and neighbours! Hamilton City Council is calling for all residents to urgently conserve water after damage to one of the city’s most important water mains. The conservation measures effectively mean temporarily implementing the city’s highest water alert level. A further update will be posted before 5pm today.
There are no issues with water quality but supply levels could be reduced significantly due to the damage. Alert Level 4 means no outdoor water usage is permitted, but residents are being asked to look at all water usage in their homes and businesses as staff work to repair the Eastern Bulk Main.
City Waters Unit Manager Maire Porter says it’s important for residents to be aware there are no water quality issues, it is simply that the city needs to make the available water go further.
“Until we complete this repair we need everyone to play their part. This is a time when our city can come together to help each other out and we can get through this situation as smoothly as possible.”
Full statement here: myhcc.nz...
What workplace change would you like to see most?
This coming Monday is Labour Day in New Zealand. This public holiday marks when the eight-hour workday and 48-hour workweek became law in 1899. The idea started with Samuel Parnell, a carpenter in Wellington, who in 1840 refused to work more than eight hours a day. Since skilled workers were in short supply, his employer had to agree.
As more skilled workers arrived, employers tried to change working conditions, but Parnell and others kept pushing for better rights. In 1890, Parnell led a Labour Day parade of 1,500 people to promote the eight-hour day. He passed away shortly after, and nine years later, Labour Day became an official public holiday.
Do you feel that we have reached the ideal in working environments yet? What rights are you passionate about relating to employment? Share your thoughts!
Six tips for improving security around your home
1) Improve outdoor lighting
Ensure that streets, driveways, and front yards are well-lit. Motion-sensor lights around homes deter trespassers by reducing hiding spots and illuminating their movements.
2) Trim your trees
Overgrown shrubs and trees provide cover for intruders. Keeping them well-trimmed around windows and doors improves visibility and reduces potential hiding spots.
3) Secure Entry Points
Ensure doors, windows, and gates are always closed when you are away from the house. Upgrade to more secure locks, deadbolts, or even smart locks for added protection.
4) Add a security camera
Place security cameras in the main entry points to your home. Doorbell cameras are also relatively cheap and a great way to keep track of who is visiting your home when you aren't there.
5) Start a Neighborhood Watch Program
You could reach out to members on Neighbourly to form a group of neighbors who can regularly keep an eye out for suspicious activity and report it. You could also check with Neighbourhood Support to see what is existing in your area.
6) Introduce yourself to your neighbours
The closer you are to your neighbors, the more likely they’ll notice when something unusual or suspicious is happening around your property
Feel free to share anything that you do around your area to deter crime.
What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?
Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.
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