Fire at Lower Waitaki Water Treatment plant

Published on 11 January 2022

Water treatment plant fire

A fire at the Ferry Road Water Treatment Plant in Richmond overnight has caused significant and extensive damage to the treatment shed and equipment and prompted Council to issue an urgent Conserve Water Notice for consumers on the Lower Waitaki Water Supply. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The supply is now off and Lower Waitaki Water Supply customers are asked to conserve all water until further notice. Water should be used for essential purposes only.

The Lower Waitaki Water Supply provides water to over 700 customers in the Pukeuri/Papakaio/Hilderthorpe areas north of Oamaru.

Customers are required to have three days of storage on their properties and as such should have sufficient water, particularly if strict water conservation methods are used, for the coming days until a temporary supply is in place. 

The Waitaki District Council apologises for any inconvenience caused and thanks customers for their patience and co-operation over this period. Updates will be posted on Councils Facebook page and website.

ENDS

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