Where does our water come from and is it safe?
When you turn on your taps you expect to get cool, clear water but do you know where it comes from?
Winchester's water is now supplied from the Temuka water scheme as this has treatment for protozoa. Please see that page for more details.
Who looks after the water supply?
The Council is responsible for the management and operation of the water supply and uses contractors to carry out the maintenance work.
We own and maintain the water supply network from the source through to your toby at the street boundary.
What are your responsibilities?
Toby
You are responsible from your toby to your taps.
If you have a shared right of way it is common that the water supply within that right of way is a combined water service for all users. Users who use this pipework are responsible for its operation and maintenance. As this supply line is beyond the road boundary it is not the Council's responsibility.
Conserve water
- Water is a limited and precious resource. The Council is only allowed to take so much water from the rivers and ground water, so we all need to use water wisely. We constantly check our pipelines to ensure that we do not have any leaks and we ask you to fix any leaks you may find on your property.
- The Council will get in touch with you if we become aware of water wastage on your property and will ask you to fix it. If it continues to be at unacceptable levels then enforcement action may be taken.
- If you are a consumer who uses a lot of water you may have a meter installed on your water supply connection.
Restrictions
Dry weather conditions may result in short supply because of low river levels and excessive use by consumers. When this happens hosing restrictions are put in place to help keep the demand for water down.
Restrictions are advertised in the newspaper and on our website www.timaru.govt.nz.
Backflow Prevention
What is backflow?
Backflow means that water is flowing in reverse to the normal direction ie: it is coming from your property back into the water mains.
How does it happen?
It can come from a private well on your property, or from hoses left in ponds or pools, a home irrigation system or an incorrect air gap on a header tank. It's really important that you know of the risks as contamination of water supply due to backflow can be a potential health hazard. As a Council we can ask to have an assessment of the risk of backflow from any property and to require an appropriate backflow prevention device or system be installed at the property owner's expense.
Last updated: 24 Feb 2021