A pipe in Paeroa’s wastewater reticulation system has overflowed due to the recent heavy rain. The pipe, located in Tower Street, is nestled between the Paeroa Rugby Club fields and the stream running along its northern edge.
The Hauraki District Council said the pipe is on the lower point of the network, and naturally acts as an emergency overflow in extreme weather events. The area is fenced off, due to recurring overflow in this area.
“Last night’s continuous heavy rains put a lot of pressure on the pumps and wastewater reticulation, mostly due to the increase in stormwater in the network,” the council said.
“We do have teams out monitoring areas that we know can overflow in extreme or prolonged wet weather. We can’t, however, be everywhere at once so do ask that the public let us know as soon as they see something like this happening.”
The council asked the public to let it know when something like this is spotted, to get appropriate environmental controls in place as soon as possible.
“You can also help by making sure that your gully traps are high enough above the ground so that surface water does not enter the system, and that no roof downpipes are directed into gully traps.”
Call 07 862 8609 or 0800 734 834 to report drain or stormwater issues to Hauraki District Council.
By ALICE PARMINTER, Public Interest Journalism funded by NZ on Air
