The water was leaking from an old coupling which had corroded. Photo/Supplied
The water was leaking from an old coupling which had corroded. Photo/Supplied
Whangārei residents are being reminded to report water leaks as soon as they see them after a water main was leaking for an unknown amount of time.
The leak was in a water main along Riverside Dr, just past a bridge near the intersection with Brook Rd.
Whangārei District Councildistribution engineer Simon Charles said the council does get contractors out to detect leaks using acoustic sensors periodically but it was important for the public to report leaks.
"The public are our additional eyes and ears, we can't be everywhere at once."
He said people out walking or cycling might notice water where it shouldn't be and should report it as it was not only in the efforts of conserving water but could also be a safety issue if they are in a place where people can slip.
When the Northern Advocate visited the site, the water was running from the concrete abutment at the Onerahi end of the bridge and making its way to the river below.
A man who did not want his name used, and said he had not reported the leak to the council, suggested the leak may have been running for months as it had killed oysters in the river.
Charles said the leak was reported to the council on February 2 which was a Saturday. It is not known how long it had been leaking prior to then.
The contractor went out on the Monday morning to inspect the leak and described it as "less than a hose pipe leak".
Charles said because of this, it wouldn't be picked up on any of the council's pressure or flow monitors as it appeared just like any other household consumption.
The council uses meters to keep track of water use and the water lost in the leak would be considered unaccounted for water. However he said there are a number of reasons for unaccounted water including illegal connections, leaks and meters not recording properly.
The water was leaking from an old coupling which had coroded. Photo/Supplied
Charles said plans for traffic management to access the leak and checks on which other services are below the ground all have to be put together, carried out and approved which can take five days before the work can be done.
When the contractors exposed the leak, it turned out to be just off the bridge. It was repaired last Thursday.
Charles wanted to thank the person who had reported the leak.
If you suspect a water main leak in Whangārei, contact the council's customer services department on (09) 430 4200 or 0800 932 463.
