Water leaks
Why do leaks matter?
Leaks increasingly put pressure on our council’s ability to keep up with the demand for water over the summer months, which can lead to tighter water restrictions for longer periods of time to avoid water shortages.
South Wairarapa is at least at a Level 1 water restriction all year round, which means people should only be using sprinklers or irrigation systems every other day, between the hours of 6-8am and 7-9pm.
Why are our pipes leaking so much now? Why hasn’t something been done sooner?
It’s principally a problem of the age of the pipes. There is a significant backlog of renewals (replacing old pipes) across the district, as investment into replacing pipes has historically not kept pace with pipes nearing or exceeding the end of their operational lives.
Essentially, the water pipes in the region are aging at a faster rate than we can replace them – old pipes burst and leak more often.
What can residents do to help?
In warmer months especially, we ask people to be more aware of their water use. There are a few simple steps you can take to see if you have a leak on your property:
- Check all taps, inside and outside the home.
- Look behind the dishwasher for any signs of water.
- In dry weather, look for damp patches in the garden, lawn or driveway and look for any water seeping through cracks in the concrete.
- Listen for running water inside your home when no taps, hoses or showers are turned on, and if you have a water meter, check how much you use periodically.
What should residents do when they find a leak on their property?
If you discover or suspect a leak, get in touch with a registered plumber to get it fixed.
How are public leaks prioritised to fix?
Leaks are prioritised according to the impact on water supply, if there is an immediate risk to public safety, and if there is a high risk of damage to property.
What can we all do to help the situation/conserve water?
- Find and fix leaks on your property.
- Follow the water restriction level in our area – check the Wellington Water website
- Take shorter showers and consider using less water elsewhere; visit this page for more information.
What if the leak reoccurs after it was fixed? Who pays for that?
If it is on your property, you will be expected to pay for any further repair work. If you have been charged for excess water usage, you can use the plumbers bill as proof that you have fixed the repair and request a waiver from the council for your excess water use fee. The waiver covers excess water consumption that resulted from the leak.