Media release

10 November 2016

Palmerston North City Council is planning to swab one of the city’s two trunk water mains from the Turitea dam supply this Thursday 10 November.

The 8km pipe that runs from the Turitea water treatment plant to the swabbing chamber at the Fitzherbert bridge will be swabbed between 7pm and 3am when water demand is low.

“This work is part of the annual cleaning programme to remove sediment in the water pipes and minimise water discolouration,” says Council water asset engineer Dora Luo.

“The swabbing process involves pushing a sponge through the pipe to dislodge any sediment. It can only be carried out when the flow rate and turbidity of the Manawatū River reaches a certain level.”

Residents using the Palmerston North city water supply, with the exception of the Kelvin Grove area, may experience discoloured water during the swabbing process and for up to 48 hours afterwards.

The Council advises residents to:

• Reserve plenty of drinking water for Thursday night and Friday morning

• Minimise water use on Thursday night to avoid discoloured water getting into the pipes

• Check water clarity before using hot water on Friday morning to stop discoloured water making its way into the hot water cylinder

• Check water clarity before running the washing machine to prevent discoloured water staining the washing

• If water is discoloured run the cold water tap for up to 15 minutes - call the Council on 356 8199 if the water still doesn’t run clear

Advisories will be made on the City Council’s Facebook page and at pncc.govt.nz

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