Pirongia water supply strengthened as backup connection completed
Pirongia’s water supply has been strengthened today with a new backup connection completed at the Frontier Road reservoir.
The new pipe allows the reservoir to be topped up from the Taylor Hill reservoir, giving the network extra capacity while resilience testing continues.
The severe weather event caused significant damage at Te Tahi Water Treatment Plant which supplied Pirongia, taking it out of operation and reducing water capacity across the district.
Council teams moved quickly to redirect water to Pirongia from Frontier Road.
Group manager service delivery Eeva-Liisa Wright said Waipā’s early planning and investment in the district’s water network meant teams did not have to start from scratch.
“The infrastructure upgrades done in previous years meant we were ready to act,” she said.
“This new connection will act as a safety net. It gives us flexibility while we continue testing the system and working through recovery. Ensuring the safety of our drinking water is our top priority – that's why emergency restrictions in Pirongia remain in place until our testing shows that it’s safe to bring the new connection into full operation.
“Any easing of restrictions will happen step by step once we’re confident the system can handle it.”
Water use in Pirongia remains restricted to essential indoor use only for now. This includes drinking, cooking, toilets, hygiene and cleaning. There is no outdoor water use, including watering gardens, washing cars or houses, or filling swimming pools.
The rest of the district is at Water Alert Level 2, which means outdoor water use is permitted, but residents are asked to be sensible and avoid unnecessary use while overall capacity remains reduced.
Wright acknowledged the work of Waipā Civil and Council waters teams.
“The effort from everyone on the ground has been exceptional. They’ve worked long hours in tough conditions to keep water flowing to our communities.”
She also acknowledged and thanked the communities in Waipā and especially the Pirongia community for doing their part by reducing water use at this critical time.
Waipā remains under a State of Emergency following severe flooding and slips that damaged infrastructure across the western side of the district.
Residents experiencing supply issues such as low pressure, brown water or no water should call 0800 924 723.
Further updates will be provided on the Council website here: waipadc.govt.nz/our-services/civildefence/pirongia-update
