Rain relief eases Water Restrictions

Tasman District Council eases some Water Restrictions.

Recent Rain enables easing of Water Restrictions for Waimea and Wakefield urban users 

22 January, 2024

Tasman District Council has announced a further lifting of Water Restrictions for users of Council-managed urban reticulated supplies. 

Effective immediately, residents in Richmond, Hope, Brightwater, Wakefield, Māpua/ Ruby Bay and Eighty-Eight Valley will move to Phase A restrictions, while residents in the Redwood Valley 1 and 2 supplies will move to Phase B. 

However, Dovedale will remain at Phase D for the time being. 

“We appreciate that recent weeks have seen a number of changes in terms of the extent of restrictions. These have been dictated by our efforts to keep within our consented takes, which were affected by the amount of rainfall and the demand for water in the Waimea and Wakefield urban supplies,” Tasman Group Manager – Community Infrastructure Richard Kirby said. 

“The recent issues surrounding the Wakefield Water treatment plant and our reallocation of water to supply this area also contributed to restriction levels.” 

“However, with the recent resolution of the Wakefield issues and sufficient rainfall in between the dry periods, the overall demand for water has declined to the point where we can implement the lesser level of restrictions.” 

“While it is pleasing to be able to reduce restrictions in most areas, there is always a possibility that we  could revert if we have ongoing dry weather between now and the end of the summer period.” 

“Therefore, we encourage everyone to use water according to their area’s Phase level, with an eye towards conserving water where they can – be it ensuring taps are turned off or not putting water down the drain when there may be another use for it such as watering plants or cleaning.” 

 “We also want to say thanks to everyone for your help and effort as we have navigated the circumstances of the last few weeks.” 

Richard said the decision to keep Dovedale at Phase D stemmed from the area currently being at Stage 1 (a 20 per cent reduction in use) for consent holders. 

“We therefore need to keep Phase D restrictions to keep compliance, but we stress that water is still allowed to be used for public health and stock wellbeing reasons.” 

More information around water restrictions can be found at Current restrictions - reticulated | Tasman District Council(external link) 

Phase A restrictions mean; 

• watering of grass or lawns is not permitted.  
• Watering decorative and productive gardens is permitted using a handheld hose with trigger nozzle or time limited water system.  
• Filling a pool is prohibited, but pools can still be topped up.   

Under Phase B 

YOU CAN: 

• Do outdoor washing (cars, windows, outdoor areas) with a hand held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, water blaster or bucket. 
• You can water your flowers/trees/planters every second day only with a hand held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, watering systems on a timer or a bucket. Watering listed protected trees is allowed using these methods. 
• You can water your veggie garden and fruit trees with a hand held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, watering systems on a timer or a bucket. 

YOU CAN’T: 

• Water the lawn. 
• Fill or top up a pool, spa or water feature. 
• Use water for play.

Tasman District Council, Communications.

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.

 

Water update

 

Eighty-Eight Valley returns to Phase B water Restrictions, Redwood Valley remains at Phase D

19 January, 2024

Good news for anyone on a Council water supply in Eighty-Eight Valley, you are now moving to Phase B water restrictions, along with Wakefield and Brightwater who moved to Phase B earlier today. Phase B restrictions also remain in effect for Richmond, Hope and Māpua/ Ruby Bay.

For now, Redwood Valley 1 and 2 and Dovedale remain on Phase D restrictions. We will be reviewing the situation next week to determine if any further change is necessary.

As a recap for those on Phase B restrictions;

• You can't water the lawn, fill or top up a pool, spa or water feature, or use water for play.

• You can still do outdoor washing (cars, windows, outdoor areas) with a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, water blaster or bucket.

• Flowers/trees/planters can be watered every second day only with a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, watering systems on a timer or a bucket.

• Veggie gardens and fruit trees can be watered with a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, watering systems on a timer, or a bucket.

As for those in Phase D:

You CAN:

• Wash your car using recycled grey water only.

• Do essential outdoor washing for safety reasons, using a bucket only.

• Water listed protected trees every second day only with a hand held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, watering systems on a timer or a bucket.

• Water your veggie garden and fruit trees every second day using a bucket only.

 

You CAN'T:

• Water your flowers/trees/planters.

• Water the lawn.

• Fill or top up a pool, spa or water feature.

• Use water for play.

Tasman District Council, Communications.

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.

Tākaka fire - update - 19 Jan 2024

Credit Tasman District Council.

 

Tākaka fire - Tasman District Council update 

19 January, 2024

We have identified a number of houses in Tākaka township (shown in the map above) that have bore water which could have been potentially contaminated by run-off from firefighting at the ITM building site Thursday 11th January.

These occupiers have been contacted by Council staff.

Testing has been undertaken of the bore water in the Motupipi Street area.

Council has received the results for (BTEX) benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes. The result indicates that there is no BTEX contamination of the water samples taken in the Motupipi Street area.

The other tests results will take a longer to process, but we hope to have all the results in by Monday, 22 January 2024. We will provide further updates as soon as possible.

Based on the information provided and the test results received so far, we believe the risk of the bore being contaminated to be very low. We are taking a precautionary measure to recommend people not to drink the water until we have received all the test results.  

We have undertaken dye tests and we are asking all residents that if they have seen any pink or red dye, or if they notice any discolouration or odour from their water, to contact council immediately.  

If you are concerned about your health or are feeling unwell please contact Healthline for advice 0800-611-116, or seek medical attention immediately.

If you need urgent attention, call 111 for Ambulance Service.

Tasman District Council, Communications.

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.

UPDATE TODAY ON WATER 19 JAN: Brightwater and Wakefield WATER USE CAN RESUME

 

Brightwater and Wakefield water use can resume 

19 January, 2024

 

Tasman District Council is pleased to report that owing to the combined efforts by staff, contractors and the community overnight, measures requiring large-scale water restrictions among Wakefield and Brightwater residents can now be lifted.  

Due to a significantly increased demand being placed on the Brightwater water supply in providing for the Wakefield supply, our pump systems had been working at over-capacity and had subsequently overheated, leaving two of the three pumps in action severely compromised. 

This required immediate action and as a result, residents on urban reticulated water supplies in both areas were asked to restrict any water use to essential use only. 

Over the course of our investigations, an issue with the pump drives, as opposed to the motor was found to be the fault and we will be able to source these very shortly. 

Actions taken by staff and contractors through the night have resolved the immediate issues and availability of water has been restored.  

Both the Wakefield and Brightwater supplies are now moving to Phase B water restrictions (See below) with immediate effect joining Richmond, Hope and Māpua. 

“At this stage the combined pumps in operation is enough to keep us going for now, provided people keep conserving water in accordance with the reduced level of restrictions.” 

Waters and Wastes Manager Mike Schruer said that the overall situation had emerged from two reasons, beginning initially with the discovery of discolouration in the Wakefield well which had led to the closure of the Water Treatment Plant while investigations were undertaken. 

A comprehensive testing regime has occurred in the last week, looking for 150 possible contaminants. Results had been filtering through in recent days and were concluded yesterday, all of which had confirmed water was safe to drink and it appears to be only a discolouration issue which has been addressed..  

By around 6.30pm on Thursday we were able to flush and refill the tanks at the Wakefield WTP and bring the plant back to full operation. 

Tasman Chief Executive Janine Dowding said she was immensely grateful to the quick efforts of Council and its contractors in pulling out all the stops to address the situation. 

“Coupled with the community’s cooperation, we saw an instant reduction in water use, which allowed the reservoir to maintain levels and provide a buffer for any emergencies.” 

“We can’t emphasise enough the value of community  support  at times like this – Those actions make a huge difference..” 

“While this was an extraordinary set of circumstances that was ultimately beyond the control of Council,  as with any situation of this magnitude we will take some lessons and consider whether we can (COMPLETE) additional steps to  increase resilience.” 

“The planned water infrastructure upgrades over the next 3-5 years – proposed in the draft 2024-34  Long Term Plan  – will bring security of supply to the  Brightwater, Wakefield and 88 Valley area subject to funding.”    

“Social media has been running hot with speculation about causes and options. 

“We realise that the public will have a number of possible theories around why this has occurred. While we have provided the facts, we encourage any one who has further questions to contact the Council for further clarification.”   

As a recap for those subject to Phase B restrictions; 

• You can't water the lawn, fill or top up a pool, spa or water feature, or use water for play. 

• You can still do outdoor washing (cars, windows, outdoor areas) with a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, water blaster or bucket. 

• Flowers/trees/planters can be watered every second day only with a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, watering systems on a timer or a bucket. 

• Veggie gardens and fruit trees can be watered with a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, watering systems on a timer, or a bucket.

Tasman District Council, Communications.

Pigeon Post News

UPDATE ON WATER: drip feed your water use please as pumps severely compromised - Wakefield and Brightwater

Wakefield and Brightwater

Wakefield and Brightwater residents required to drip feed water use

 

18 January, 2024

 

Due to the issues with the Wakefield water supply, which has led to a significantly increased demand being placed on the Brightwater water supply, our pumps are working at over-capacity and are severely compromised.  

Therefore, Tasman District Council is requesting residents on urban reticulated water supplies in both areas to restrict any water use to essential use only. 

The Wakefield Water Treatment Plant has been shut off since January 8 while an investigation into the reason for potential contamination in one of the wells continues.  

In order to meet the required demand, water is currently being supplemented by the Brightwater scheme, while the Hope part of the scheme is being supplied by the Richmond scheme. 

Tasman District Council Waters and Wastes Manager Mike Schruer said on Thursday it was established that the high level of use on the three pumps in use has caused two of the pumps in use to become severely compromised. 

“As a result, the supply is currently losing around 72 cubic metres of water an hour and we want to curb this as much as possible.” 

“At this stage, we are trying to source replacement equipment and reallocate duty pumps from the network which will potentially alleviate the issue. 

While the affected area is currently under Phase D Water Restrictions - Only using water for emergency needs - drinking, sanitation, medical, health and safety is advisable for the time being.” 

“Test results as part of our initial investigation have come back clear, so we are beginning the process of re-opening the Wakefield Water Treatment Plant and restoring the network to its original system.” 

“However, the capacity issues we are facing needs immediate action – as we work as quickly as we can to rectify the working order of the pump, water users in Brightwater and Wakefield can help us prevent a more serious situation by restricting their water use to the bare minimum.” 

“We will keep the public updated as we move towards a resolution of the situation.” 

 

Tasman District Council, Communications.

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.

Email editor your comments: 

editor.pigeonpostnews @ gmail.com

Night closures planned for Whakatu Drive

NZ TRANSPORT AGENCY Works Map and Detour Route.

 Night closures planned for State Highway 6, Whakatu Drive, Nelson

18 January 2024

Essential maintenance will see State Highway 6, Whakatu Drive, subject to night closures next month.

The highway will be closed between the Annesbrook Roundabout and Link Road/Raeward Roundabout for up to ten nights between 11 - 23 February.

A local road detour via Main Road Stoke will be available for all vehicles.

Rob Service, System Manager Top of the South, says contractors will repair the central median barriers and carry out road surface repairs, vegetation and weed control, street light repairs, and other general maintenance.

“There’s an old saying, ‘a stitch in time saves nine’, and that’s exactly what this work is about.”

 

“Whakatu Drive is a crucial transport link for Nelson and Tasman. Regular maintenance like this is the best way to avoid substantial and more expensive repairs, which take longer to complete and can potentially be an even bigger hassle for drivers, Mr Service says.

 

He says the work has been timed to happen at night to minimise disruption as much as possible.

 

“At night, there are fewer vehicles on the highway. Doing the work then makes much more sense as fewer drivers are affected. A full closure is also safer for our contractors and allows them to finish the work much faster.”

 

Mr Service recommends road users to factor the work into their travel plans.

 

“Whakatu Drive is still a main route between Nelson and Tasman. Please be aware of the work and adjust your travel accordingly, as the detours will mean slightly longer travel times.”

 

Following the completion of the night closures, contractors will continue side barrier improvement work on each side of the Nayland Road and Songer Street overbridges. These improvements will help protect road users and the bridge structures in the event of a crash.

Further information about these works and associated traffic management will be provided before the work begins.

Detour Routes:

• People travelling to Nelson Airport or businesses on Quarantine Road will detour via Parkers Road and Pascoe Street.
• Access from Nelson Airport to the city will be via Quarantine Road, but temporary speed restrictions and traffic management will be in place.
• The shared path next to the highway will remain open for cyclists and pedestrians in both directions.
• The local road detour via Main Road Stoke has temporarily been approved by Nelson City Council for use by heavy vehicles.
• This detour is expected to add up to 10 minutes to travel times.

 

Works Schedule:

• 11 - 23 February, 8:30 pm to 5:30 am - excluding Friday, 16 and Saturday, 17 February.
• State Highway 6, Whakatu Drive, will be closed in both directions, between the Annesbrook Roundabout and Link Road/Raeward Roundabout.
• There will be other areas of work on our state highways across the top of the South during February. Please plan ahead when travelling.

Felix Marwick, Media Manager, NZTA/Waka Kotahi. 

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.