Water Restriction Level 1 is now in effect across Wellington City, Lower Hutt and Porirua, joining Upper Hutt and South Wairarapa who are in Level 1 year-round.

Water Restriction Level 1 asks people to use sprinklers every second day.

If you live in an even numbered house, you can use sprinklers or irrigation systems on even numbered days between 6-8am and 7-9pm. If you live in an odd numbered house, the same rules apply for odd numbered days.

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About Us / News And Media / News And Media / Wastewater Overflow At Martinborough Wastewater Treatment Plant

Published 18/08/2020

Wastewater overflow at Martinborough wastewater treatment plant

Between 3:15 and 8:30am this morning, a valve operation failure at the Martinborough Wastewater Treatment Plant resulted in the possible overflow of partially treated wastewater from one of the storage ponds. The inlet valve was subsequently closed by plant operators.

During this time irrigation to land was in operation as normal, pumping wastewater from the pond, however the incoming flow rate was higher, meaning once full, the pond may have overflowed. We have undertaken visual inspections, and have found no physical evidence of overflow to the Ruamahanga River, however we are reporting the incident as a precaution.

In line with incident response plans, Wellington Water has initiated an investigation into the causes of the valve system failure at the plant. We have advised Regional Public Health and are working with South Wairarapa District Council to provide public updates where possible. We are also in contact with Greater Wellington Regional Council, the Wastewater Treatment Plant Community Liaison Group and local iwi regarding the incident.

Media Enquiries

Email address:  Media@wellingtonwater.co.nz

Phone number: 021 302 259