The impact of a slip in Maia, near Dunedin, was one of the main issues that resulted from persistent rain earlier this month. PHOTO: STEPHEN JAQUIERY

Extensive work could be needed before a permanent solution is in place for the water supply that was disrupted by a large slip in Maia, near Dunedin.

A rapidly arranged fix will continue to run in the meantime.

The slip knocked out about 500m of water main serving the West Harbour area on October 4 after persistent rain.

Sustained rainfall in Dunedin and in the Clutha district led to states of emergency being declared.

A workaround was soon set up in Maia to restore the West Harbour water supply.

"The Maia rapid response pipeline repair has worked incredibly well and is testimony to our staff and contractors who were able to design and implement such a solution in a very compressed timeline," a Dunedin City Council spokeswoman said yesterday.

Temporary water pipelines snake across the hillside to bypass a water main breach in Maia. PHOTO: JARROD HODSON

By contrast, a permanent solution could take some time.

There would likely be a multitude of scenarios to consider, extensive field investigations and analysis of hydraulics, she said.