‘Fragile’ Pirongia water supply a focus for Civil Defence

Joint media statement – Western Waikato Emergency Operations Centre

The black Friday deluge which struck Mt Pirongia and the western Waikato washed away a water treatment plant supplying the Waipā District township of Pirongia.

With reservoir supplies dwindling, Waipā District Council has established an alternate emergency supply from the Te Awamutu Treatment Plant, but water conservation is critical if the stopgap measures are to continue to service Pirongia.

Contingency planning for the supply has been one of the major issues for the joint Civil Defence Emergency Operations Centre operating from Ōtorohanga District Council offices. The centre is supporting Waipā and Ōtorohanga councils after States of Emergency were declared on the weekend.

Civil Defence controller Wayne Allan said this afternoon’s Incident Management Team meeting illustrated the differing needs as the response progresses.

“This weather event was short, sharp and with intensity which varied significantly across the region. We’re already seeing some areas returning to business as usual, while just a few kilometres away we have communities isolated, roads severed and bridges, pipes and culverts still at risk.

“In terms of numbers of impacted people, our primary focus has to be Pirongia’s water supply. The supply is fragile and relies on a single pipe to support an entire community. Water tankers are a contingency option but the least impact on households will be to reduce water use and make the reduced supply last. We have seen an increase in water use in the last 24 hours and we’re monitoring it – we urge the community to keep the savings going.

“Short showers, reduced flushing of toilets, no outside watering – every drop saved buys us time to build some resilience into our network. We drained the reservoir to inspect it this morning, and experts are building a picture of what future works may be required. The community is doing a great job but there’s no quick fix.”

Mr Allan says Civil Defence welfare teams are getting direct support to isolated properties and teams continue to do rapid assessments for buildings with support from local council staff. Welfare requests by individuals and families are being co-ordinated through Here to Help U as a one-stop support service in affected areas. People can contact 0800 568 273 and leave a call back request.

Welfare support and property inspections continue in Wharepapa South, Kāwhia, Aotea and Corcoran Road as well as urban areas.

While roads are re-opening in some areas, monitoring and inspections continue on multiple culverts and bridges. Anyone travelling in affected areas is urged to check NZTA Waka Kotahi’s online journey planner for state highways, or the Ōtorohanga District Council or Waipā District Council websites.