Approximately 35 properties experienced discoloured water and sediment following the commissioning of a new, larger watermain that disturbed material settled in existing pipes.
Council Response and Water Quality Testing
Whanganui District Council chief executive Doug Tate stated that the affected area centered around Cornfoot St, Manuka St, Seafront Rd, and Taupata St. According to Tate, continuous testing indicated that chlorine disinfection levels remained well within recommended parameters for safe drinking water. Crews continued flushing the affected section, monitoring network water quality, and isolating specific valves to limit the spread of sediment. To assist residents, the council set up water tankers at the Castlecliff Club and the Surf Club on Wednesday and Thursday.
Resident Impact and Frustrations
Castlecliff resident Derek McInnes told 1News he discovered the issue on Monday night when running a bath filled with brown water and grit. McInnes noted that while a small amount of grit was typical for the hard, limey water in Castlecliff, this sediment was significantly worse and prevented him from cooking or boiling water. McInnes also reported being unable to use the water for his CPAP machine reservoir used to treat sleep apnoea. After contacting the local council, a worker flushed the nearby hydrant, which helped clear the water after roughly an hour, though sediment remained in the bathtub. McInnes criticized the council for a lack of prior warning and expressed concern that residents bore the unexpected cost of purchasing bottled water.
What May Happen Next
As council crews continue flushing and monitoring the water network, further testing could determine when the network returns to normal clarity.
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