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Date:
For immediate release
22 April 2009
Water salinity likely
Whakatane District Council is imposing water restrictions for Whakatane town and Ohope
water consumers over next ten days during the high tides to avoid pumping water due to
increased salinity levels in the Whakatane River.
The Council’s Director of Works and Services Haydn Read says that due to the dry weather
conditions over the past few weeks and the subsequent low river levels and flows, sea water
now is encroaching to the water treatment plant intake.
This situation is going to be extreme over the next ten days with the high tides.
“The high tide levels will recede in the coming week, in the meantime our water treatment
plant operators are working within operating procedures to minimise the “high tide” impact on
the salinity intake during this time.”
Mr Read says the Council has put in place measures to reduce the impact of sea water
encroachment.
“We will be continuously monitoring the salinity levels and will pump water during the low tide
when more fresh water is available in the River. Should the situation deteriorate further, the
Council will provide water tankers for the public to access drinking water.”
Mr Read said the Council will announce through the radio the time and locations of the water
tankers. In the meantime it is important that people conserve water and to allow the plant to
cope with demand.
Mr Read says the water quality is monitored continuously and is very safe to drink. “In terms
of people’s health, there are not any other adverse effects, only the slight change in the
water taste.”
ENDS
For further information, please contact Barney Dzowa, Communications Manager, Whakatane District Council, 07 306 0518
Whakatane Office
Murupara Office
Civic Centre, Commerce Street, Whakatane
Civic Centre, Pine Drive, Murupara
Phone: 07 306 0500 Fax: 07 307 0718
Phone: 07 366 5896 Fax: 07 366 5897
Whakatane District Council
www.whakatane.govt.nz