Gisborne avoids water rationing

Gisborne residents are continuing to save water following a large landslide which severed a water pipe, causing major issues for the town's water supply.

Water consumption in the area is now down by a third, meaning water rationing planned for next week will likely not be needed.

Gisborne District Council deputy chief executive Peter Higgs is happy with what residents have managed to achieve.

"Our target was to reduce water use to less than 14,000 cubic metres per day. This was achieved yesterday. Thank you to all the Gisborne people who have made this happen."

A large landslide in the Mangapoike area resulted in a total ban on watering lawns and gardens and left engineers working frantically to stabilise land affected by the pipeline.

"Good progress is being made fixing the pipes," says Mr Higgs. "Fulton Hogan, the contractor tasked with the repair job, has had staff working 24/7. They have brought in a range of subcontractors to get the job done as soon as possible.

"While yesterday's rain was brilliant in reducing demand for water, it had the potential to delay the pipe welding. This hold up was overcome by erecting rain proof gazebos above the areas where the welding was required."

It is expected water will be flowing freely through the pipe again by mid-way through next week.

"In the meantime it is vital that we all keep our water use to a minimum. Until the pipe can reliably bring water from the Mangopoike Dams into the Waingake Treatment Plant we will continue to rely on emergency supplies from the Waipaoa Treatment Plant, and a small amount from the Te Arai River.

More here:
Gisborne avoids water rationing