Severe weather conditions from Wednesday 30 April to Friday 2 May may impact the network
Severe weather conditions may impact the network

Due to severe weather conditions forecasted from today, 30 April until Friday 2 May, there may be impacts on the network, 

Heavy rain increases the chance of excess stormwater entering the wastewater network, which it doesn’t have capacity for. This means there is a higher risk of wastewater overflows during wet weather events or emergencies such as major power cuts.

Our operations team are checking known risk areas and working to ensure that the stormwater network will be running as smoothly as possible. 

 
FAQ / Presence of asbestos fibres in our water pipe network

Presence of asbestos fibres in our water pipe network

Asbestos cement (AC) was used extensively within the pipe network following the Second World War, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s.  Asbestos cement pipes were an integral part of infrastructure investment in New Zealand until 1986, when manufacture and installation of AC pipes ceased.  AC water pipes are common, not only throughout New Zealand, but across the world.  The pipes are gradually being phased out, as we replace older pipes as part of our ongoing renewal and replacement project work.

Asbestos cement pipelines deteriorate over time, and asbestos fibres can be released into the water supply as the pipelines age.  This occurs over a long period of time.  We monitor and carefully control the Ph and alkalinity levels in the water at our treatment plants to minimise the impact of decay and internal corrosion on the pipe network.

 

Health Risk?

Wellington Water refers to the World Health Organisation's health advice and research. on the health risk associated with asbestos fibres in water pipe networks and drinking water.

Taumata Arowai - the water services regulator for Aotearoa - have not included asbestos on the list of determinants to measure as part of the Drinking Water Standards coming into force on the 1 July 2022.  

 

Back to Helpdesk