Work continuing on Akaroa water checks

Council staff have been visiting every property in Akaroa to look for sources of stormwater entering the wastewater network 

“We’re more than halfway through the inspection programme and we’ve found a small number of properties with stormwater downpipes draining into the wastewater network,” Manager Service Excellence Tim Drennan said.  

“While the numbers are relatively small the impact can be big – just 15 properties with this problem can result in an extra 15,000 litres of water entering the wastewater network each hour during a moderate to heavy rainfall event.” 

“Reducing the amount of rainwater getting into the sewer network will improve network capacity, which means less overflows into private properties and the environment.” 

“We’re also seeing quite a few instances of gully traps at a lower level than the surrounding ground, which can allow rainwater to drain into the sewer network.”  

In most cases raising a gully trap to comply with regulations is relatively easy, and it can make a difference in reducing the amount of stormwater entering the wastewater network.”  

“If your connections are non-compliant, we’ll drop a letter in your mailbox outlining the issue and the deadline for getting it fixed.”  

“Between 2020 and 2023 the Council completed $4.75 million of network improvements and repairs in the Akaroa wastewater network and $1.78 million of repairs in the Duvauchelle wastewater network between 2020 and 2023. This work targeted unwanted water entering the system through leaky pipes, manholes and household gully traps that receive surface water.” 

Property owners are responsible for ensuring their wastewater and stormwater systems comply with the New Zealand Building Code and Water Supply and Wastewater Bylaw 2022. Residents will want to consult a plumbing or drainage professional for advice on getting issues sorted.  

Council staff will continue checking properties across Akaroa and Duvauchelle until the end of the year.