Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Heavy Rain Tests Stormwater System
Whakatāne’s stormwater systems were put to the test on Monday with 44 millimetres of rain falling over the township.
The Wainui Te Whara Stream catchment area between Whakatāne and Ōhope saw even heavier downpours with 71.5mm recorded.
While surface ponding was experienced in some areas, water levels receded quickly once the rain eased.
Whakatāne District Council three waters manager Jim Finlay said heavy rain also caused a minor wastewater seepage from a manhole on Peace Street with some overflow entering the McAlister Street pump station and discharging into the Whakatāne River.
“Our three waters team responded quickly, and inspections confirmed no blockages – the system was simply overwhelmed by the volume of water,” Mr Findlay said.
Sampling had confirmed no ongoing discharge, however, as a precaution, the council advises against swimming or gathering shellfish or kaimoana from the river until water quality testing confirmed it was safe.
Local Democracy Reporting understands that the manhole was not in the vicinity of the new Peace Street stormwater system and sponge reserve.
Mr Findlay said although water flowed over Peace Street between the northern and southern sections of the Peace Street Sponge Reserve, this was by design and not a failure of the system.
“This section of road is designed to act as a secondary flow path during heavy rain. The new stormwater system is designed to direct water to the lowest point on the road away from properties, allowing water to safely flood the road without damaging nearby properties or infrastructure.
“Temporary road closures may be necessary during such events to manage water flow. McAlister Street flood pumps operated as intended, and water levels receded once the rain eased.”
Local Democracy Reporting
Content from the Local Democracy Reporting (LDR) service is published by Scoop as a registered New Zealand Media Outlet LDR Partner.
Gordon Campbell: Gordon Campbell On A Neglected, Enduring Aspect Of The Francis Era
Greenpeace: Luxon’s War On Nature Opens Gate For More Dairy Conversion
NZ Labour Party: Consenting Change Opens Door For Cowboys
New Zealand Government: Accelerating The Roll-Out Of Public EV Chargers
Save the City-to-Sea Bridge: Join on Sunday afternoon to save Wellington’s City-to-Sea Bridge
New Zealand Defence Force: Second World War Veterans Receive Message From King Charles
New Zealand Government: More Than 900 Health Graduates To Receive Financial Boost Through Bonding Scheme
