Emergency water shutdown

A scheduled water shutdown in central Queenstown became a wider than anticipated event after Council contractors working on the replacement of a water main on Ballarat Street, hit a water pipe after 11am.

“The pipe was an unmapped feeder pipe off the150mm main that is being replaced this week, unfortunately the break meant a wider shutdown was required,” Queenstown Lakes District Council acting water services manager John Porter said.

Approximately 30 to 40 businesses were affected by the shutdown for differing periods of time as various valves were shutdown before the main could be isolated.

“Water was temporarily restored before midday, with pressure being relieved via a hydrant on Stanley Street in an attempt to undertake the repair, however in order to patch the main we needed a second shut down,” Mr Porter said.

A team of water operators were established at each valve so that the second shutdown could be kept to under 20 minutes while repairs were carried out.

“The pipe was mended and water restored just after 1pm. The council thanks those affected retailers for their patience,” Mr Porter said.

Mr Porter also expressed his thanks to contractors Delta and United Water for a quick response which resulted in minimising the shutdown.