Treated and untreated wastewater has been discharging into Wellington Harbour forcing the closure of several beaches after a pipe next to the local pump station broke last night.
Wellington Water said the overflow at Days Bay began on Saturday afternoon and that crews were stood down on Saturday night due to an incoming high tide and poor light. It added the site was monitored overnight.
The main wastewater outfall pipeline to Pencarrow Heads was temporarily closed off ahead of repair work which would result in fully treated wastewater being discharged to Waiwhetū Stream.
Head of network management Jeremy McKibbin said Wellington Water was doing all it can to minimise environmental impacts of the overflow.
“This is a complex repair in a coastal environment with multiple wastewater pump stations in the immediate area. It is not clear yet how long the repair work will take, but it is likely to be several days.”
In a statement shortly after 5pm, a statement from Wellington Water said work had begun on the repair with pressure drained from the main outfall pipe.
“This will enable our crew to begin excavation of the site in the morning,” it said.
The first stage of the repair would be to fix the valve to close the cross connection and enable the outfall to be put into service.
Eastbourne residents are asked to reduce toilet and shower use to minimise extra pressure on the wastewater network, McKibbin said.
“Any little thing residents can do to reduce usage will help. If you can, when using the toilet, stick to the half-flush and save the full flush for when you really need it. Avoiding long showers will help too.
“We are doing all we can to get the pipe fixed and thank the Eastbourne community for their patience and support as our crews undertake the work.”
Public health signage has been put in place and water sampling will continue in the area for the next few days.
