Water shutdown notice – Thursday 20 January 2022
Parts of Western Heights, Fairy Springs, Koutu, Kawaha Point and Mangakakahi suburbs may experience no water, or low pressure for about four hours on Thursday 20 January.
Contractors will be carrying out maintenance on a water main near the Russell Road reservoir. The maintenance requires a full shutdown between the hours of 10am and 2pm which will result in either low water pressure for properties in lower lying areas, or a loss of water for properties that are on higher ground.
Rotorua Lakes Council Infrastructure and Environment DCE Stavros Michael is encouraging locals in the affected neighbourhoods to share this information with friends and neighbours.
“Because we are looking at a large part of the city, Council needs assistance in letting the community know about this work. We want people to be able to prepare for a period of little or no water on that day.
“It’s likely that only a small portion of those neighbourhoods will have no water but we want to reach as many people as possible to let them know.”
Council staff have been in direct contact with schools, childcare centres, retirement villages and medical centres and this information is being shared with local media and radio stations.
What you need to know:
- Water shutdown scheduled for Thursday 20 January from 10am to 2pm.
- Areas most likely affected are:
- Western Heights
- Fairy Springs
- Koutu
- Kawaha Point
- Mangakakahi
- Most properties will experience low water pressure.
- Some properties on higher ground will experience a loss of water.
- If you have a medical condition that requires constant access to water please contact Council urgently on 07 348 4199.
What do I do while the water is shut off?
- Please make sure all appliances that use water are turned off (washing machine, dishwasher, etc.)
- Hot water cylinders can be left on.
- You can fill your bath before the shutdown or have buckets of water ready to refill your toilet cistern after flushing.
- Please leave taps turned off for the duration of the shutdown. Turning taps on will allow air into your water pipes.
- You may wish to have several bottles of water stored for drinking.
What to do after a water shutdown?
If your property had no water during the shutdown period, it’s important to follow these instructions to reduce the risk of any damage to the water pipes in your home.
- Turn taps on slowly to release any air from your pipes. Start with an outdoor tap and then work your way through the taps indoors.
- If the water has a milky appearance, this is due to air that has become trapped in the pipes. Let the water sit for a few minutes and the water should then become clear.
Watch a quick video about what to do after a water shut down HERE.