Water  |  18 Jul 2024

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If you live around Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour and you’ve spotted something unusual with the water network, get in touch.

Christchurch City Council is inspecting the stormwater network in Corsair Bay, Cass Bay, Governors Bay, Charteris Bay, Diamond Harbour and Church Bay, looking for potential sources of contamination in the Harbour.

Acting Head of Three Waters Gavin Hutchison said finding out where contamination is coming from is a huge job.

Septic tanks

If you have an onsite wastewater management system (septic tank), you can help by getting your system serviced by a qualified professional regularly and checking it for problems. Outside of regular maintenance checks, your system may need inspecting if you notice the alarm is activated, a blockage or overflow of sewage waste, broken tank lids, murky or smelly puddles on your property or scum and sludge build-up in your treatment tank.

Find out more information about how to manage your system on the Environment Canterbury website.

“From leaking septic tanks, damaged pipes, wastewater overflows, private cross connections and freedom camping, there are so many potential sources,” he said. 

“We’re keen to hear from the public if they know of any issues with the public stormwater network, so keep your eyes peeled when you’re out and about in the neighbourhood,” Mr Hutchison said.

“Let us know if you see an overflowing manhole, contamination in stormwater pipes, or bad smells that could suggest faults in the network.”

The Council completed checks on the Corsair Bay and Cass Bay stormwater lines. During the inspection a private wastewater pipe was found to be blocked by tree roots and overflowing, causing some contamination.

“This was fixed immediately, to stop the contamination, which is the sort of outcome we’re looking for,” Mr Hutchison said.

The Council is planning to upgrade the stormwater network in Corsair Bay and continues to sample stormwater systems during dry weather to help identify sources of contamination.

If residents are keen to do their part, they can also report issues on their own properties.

“If you want to prevent overflows or help improve the water quality in the Harbour, you can check the pipes on your property are connected properly,” Mr Hutchison said.

“This can help us identify potential cross connections – when wastewater pipes are connected to the stormwater network or vice versa.”

“This is when roof drain pipes may be draining clean rainwater into the sewer, putting pressure on the wastewater system when it rains, or your wastewater is connected to stormwater so waste may be draining into streams and the harbour,” he said.

“If you’re not sure, or want help to identify what’s going where, we’re more than happy to help.” 

To report an issue with the public network call 03 941 8999 or report a problem via our website.