Checks start on Akaroa stormwater

Akaroa residents can expect a knock at the door as work continues to reduce the amount of stormwater getting into the wastewater network.

Christchurch City Council is visiting every property in Akaroa, looking for sources of stormwater entering the wastewater network on private properties.

“A lot of Akaroa property owners do not live in the township full time, so if you aren’t at home we’ll check your pipes and leave a letter in the letterbox,” Head of Three Waters Gavin Hutchison said.

“If there’s nothing of concern, you won’t hear from us again but we’ll get in touch with people who do have issues to work on a fix.”

Council staff will be looking for cross-connections which is when a stormwater pipe is connected to the wastewater network, or vice versa.

“When there is a cross-connection, roof drainpipes could be draining rainwater into the sewer which puts unnecessary pressure on the Akaroa system,” Mr Hutchison said.

“Reducing pressure by lowering the amount of stormwater getting into the wastewater network is a really important piece of work for the Council.”

“Having less water in the system will improve the capacity in the network and reduce the risk of overflows into private property, streams and the harbour during wet weather.”

Council staff began knocking on doors last week and will continue to work their way around properties until the end of the year.