Fingers crossed that vulnerable Tauranga pipeline is fixed

Mount Maunganui and parts of Papamoa are still relying on reservoirs until repairs to a vulnerable pipeline are secured. Photo/file

Welding has been completed on the broken water main that left all of Mount Maunganui and parts of Papamoa relying on reservoirs for their water supply.

The breakage at Hairini next to the Welcome Bay underpass works happened yesterday. City waters manager Steve Burton said they were still aiming to have supplies restored by mid afternoon today.

However he stressed that the site was very soggy and unstable and difficult to access.
''We are hoping there is only one joint affected.''

Mr Burton said they would not know if there were any secondary problems until the pipeline had been refilled and pressurised.

''It is very wet and very steep, the conditions are difficult and we have to be cautious. Refilling and pressurising the pipeline took a number of hours.

''We are still on track provided no other externalities come into play.''

The breakage had impacted on all residents between Domain Rd and Mauao.

The council asked residents to limit water use to the essentials in case there were any complications with repairs.

''Keep your showers short, hold off laundry if possible and don't wash the car.''

The council expected its reservoirs would have dropped quite a lot from today's usage.

Last night the council shared some of the water from its Papamoa east reservoir with the Mount area.

''We are still in the situation where everything will be fine if the pipe is repaired as planned,'' he said.