Tauranga water outage: Mains break cuts supply to large area overnight

The Oropi water treatment plant.

Large parts of Tauranga were without water last night after a water mains break near the city’s treatment plant.

One resident told the Herald he went to the bathroom at about midnight and discovered there was no running water.

“I went outside to check and everything seemed okay,” the resident said.

“I called up the council number and there was a message saying there had been a water outage at the Oropi Water Plant and I had no idea what the problem was.

“A couple of hours later I went to the loo again and it was back on.

“We live in Gate Pā and that is one of the closest areas to the Oropi water treatment plant.”

The Oropi water treatment plant is the main water supplier for Tauranga south and central.

A spokesperson from the Tauranga District Council confirmed the water mains break last night.

“I can confirm water has been restored to all properties,” the spokesperson said.

“It is difficult to know how many homes were affected, but I can confirm it was a widespread area from Greerton through to the city centre.

“The problem was a major break on our bulk mains infrastructure within the vicinity of Oropi Road. The leak was isolated earlier this morning.

“While water has been restored, people may notice discolouration, and it will take a while for this discoloured water to flush through the system. The discolouration is due to iron and manganese particles being stirred up by the sudden change in water flow when the main broke. The water is safe to drink.

“To help clear the discoloured water, people can flush their outside tap for 5-10 minutes. If there is no improvement, contact us on 07 577 7000.”

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