2 June 2006

Warkworth's sewerage system under the spotlight

Council contractors, Rodney Water, is about to begin inspecting Warkworth's sewerage pipes to identify any pressure points that could compromise the system's efficiency in heavy rain.

This follows the successful completion of inspections at 240 Snells Beach / Algies Bay properties, 12 of which were found to have faults that could impact on the wastewater system.

The inspections will include surveying repairs made to a number of sewerage pipes in 2002 to ensure they are still up to standard; checking stormwater and wastewater pipes on private properties are connected correctly; identifying gully traps that are too low; and identifying any cracked or damaged pipes, open joints or deteriorated manholes.

These 'pressure points' can result in large volumes of rain water entering the sewerage pipes, causing system overloads and putting strain on the treatment plant as well as pipes to burst and overflows.

Rodney District Council's media manager, Mike Isle, says recent localised flooding has at times put Warkworth's sewerage system under pressure indicating that rain water is getting into the pipes.

"The inspections will isolate what pipes or manholes need upgrading or replacing and will assist us in planning for future improvements and extensions to the network," says Mr Isle.

These works are part of the council's overall plans to reduce sewage overflows by increasing the capacity and improving the efficiency of Warkworth's wastewater treatment plant.

ENDS

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