Additional staff are on standby for the heaviest rainfall periods, and a vacuum tanker will be on standby in Edgecumbe just in case there are any overflows from the stormwater system.
If an alert is received (via telemetry) the Otakiri valve will be activated.
As an extra precaution, it will be monitored by a Whakatane District Council staff member.
Residents of Edgecumbe and other towns in the district were asked to check their house gulley traps were clear before the rainfall arrives.
Much of central and northern New Zealand is under heavy rain warnings and watches as the remnants of ex-tropical Cyclone Donna injects moist tropical air into a sputtering low tracking slowly across the country.
Torrential rain is expected to fall tonight across an already-drenched North Island, bringing fresh fears of flooding and slips. Strong winds are also expected to buffet the top of the country.
Metservice is forecasting heavy rain from late today until Friday evening, especially over the eastern ranges of the Bay of Plenty.
Heavy rain can cause rivers and streams to rise rapidly, as well as surface flooding and slips, so it is important that people are prepared and keep updated.
Emergency Management Bay of Plenty director Clinton Naude said people needed to take responsibility for their preparedness and make a plan.
"Think about what you and your family would you do if you couldn't get home, were stuck at home or had to leave home in a hurry. Would you be ready?
"What if there was no power, no water or no communication? If there is heavy rain coming, have you cleared your gutters or thought about your pets? A little bit of planning goes a long way," he said.
Local residents are advised to stay updated by listening to the local radio, or checking social media platforms such as the BOP Civil Defence website and Facebook page.
"People can also sign up to receive text alerts by visiting the Bay of Plenty Civil Defence website," said Mr Naude.
