Waste water network to be surveyed

Stormwater and sewerage systems in Oamaru and Weston will come under the spotlight over the next two months in a Waitaki District Council investigation.

Next week, contractors will start a thorough street inspection of the stormwater and wastewater (sewerage) systems in Oamaru and Weston to stop stormwater entering the wastewater system and avoid large costs for ratepayers.

Water and wastewater services assets manager Martin Pacey said the need for the investigation became apparent after staff discovered stormwater entering the wastewater system.

Normally, stormwater and wastewater are collected separately.

Stormwater flows out to sea and wastewater is piped to the treatment plant in TY Duncan Rd.

If stormwater enters the wastewater network it takes up part of the pipe capacity needed to carry wastewater to the plant, potentially causing serious problems and unnecessary costs during heavy rainfall.

"If the wastewater system overloads, wastewater can overflow into properties and streets. The unnecessary treatment of the stormwater is costly to the ratepayers," he said.

Householders in Oamaru and Weston would get an advisory letter a day before the investigation in their area.

Most of the work would be done during the day.

Some of the network in the commercial area would be surveyed at night to minimise inconvenience to motorists and businesses.

 

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