Whitby water main ruptured: locals urged to save water

Porirua residents and businesses are urged to conserve water from now until further notice because of a ruptured water main at Staithes Drive in Whitby.

The leak is in an area where two water mains run next to each other. One is a Greater Wellington Regional Council bulk main and the other is a Porirua City Council feeder main from the Ascot Park reservoir.

Chris Laidlow, Greater Wellington Regional Council’s Water Supply General Manager, says staff from both councils are on site trying to find the exact location of the leak.

“The bulk main, which supplies water to reservoirs at Whitby, Pukerua Bay, Plimmerton, Paremata and Ascot Park, has been isolated.  It’s estimated, as at 12.30pm today that the reservoirs have enough water to last about 12  hours’ average use.

“The pipes are at least six metres under ground so it will take us some time to expose the leak and carry out the necessary repairs.

“At this stage it looks like repair teams will be working into the night and residents are urged to do everything they can to conserve water until further notice. For example, don’t leave taps running unnecessarily for example when brushing your teeth, have very short showers, avoid using the dishwasher and let those dishes stack up on the bench if you can, don’t flush the toilet every single time, don’t water indoor plants or your garden, and please don’t do any unnecessary cleaning such as cars or windows.

“We’ll keep people posted as soon as we know more.”