Environmental manager Anne-Marie Westcott said that water loss from council's reticulated drinking water networks from leakage exacerbated by old infrastructure or unauthorised connections has been an ongoing issue.
"In Ohakune's case there is the potential for up to 30 per cent to be lost. Our resource consent conditions and legislative responsibilities requires us to minimise water loss from our reticulated networks," she said.
"In addition, any water loss is a direct cost on ratepayers and wastes a precious resource when we are seeing extended dry periods."
The work being undertaken is no different to a shutdown to repair a water main.
"As is normal with work of this type, any sediment in the pipework may be disturbed and while we will flush the mains once complete, people may notice some water discolouration or air through your taps," Westcott said.
"This is quite normal and running an outside tap for a few minutes should clear the lines."
People may also find their tap water can look "milky" when it first comes out of the tap for about a week due to small air bubbles in the water.
This is completely harmless and will clear if the water is left to stand.
They may also notice valves in the road leaking for up to three to four days after work has been completed, this is also normal as they take time to seal properly.
Westcott said that Veolia will not start work before 12.30am and will endeavour to finish before 5.30am each morning.
"We have planned for the work programme to cause minimal disturbance, but due to the network valve configuration some properties may be shut off more than once.
"While we are not expecting any delays, in the event of an unplanned issue the water may be off for longer than stated and if necessary the work programme will be pushed back a day to Friday, 29 March."
If people have any concerns or questions, please call Ruapehu District Council on 06 385 8364.
