​Blackball Water Supply Update

Yesterday, Council became aware of the presence of discoloured water in the Blackball Water Supply network and received a number of calls regarding this issue. We investigated these calls, at multiple addresses in the Blackball township. We found that discoloured water was present in both the pipe network and in the untreated water storage bladder at the treatment plant.

The particular bladder in use at the time was holding water previously taken directly from Blackball Creek, which was lower quality than what is normal for untreated water. The water in this bladder had been taken after the boil water notice was put in place.

It is possible that the reduced quality of the water, the lower bladder levels and the earthquake which occurred around 8:40am yesterday, combined to produce the discoloured water. Mains flushing in some areas of Blackball had also occurred on Tuesday.

As a result of identifying this issue, the following actions were taken:

• Samples were collected from four locations, testing for turbidity and chlorine levels. Turbidity levels were high and chlorine levels were as expected.
• The second untreated water storage bladder on site was put into use.
• Mains flushing of the network in the Blackball area was planned and is being carried out by contracting staff today (Thursday).

The treatment plant operated over night to fill the main reservoir at the top of the Blackball township. The reservoir was filled from the other untreated water storage bladder on site.

Council is investigating why only certain areas of the pipe network appear to have been affected by this issue.

We request that Blackball residents call and advise Council, if discoloured water is found again, moving forward.

The Boil Water Notice is still in place and consumers should boil all water until further notice. Residents should also continue to conserve water.

Wet weather is expected over the coming week and Council is closely monitoring the level of storage and the need to take additional water directly from the creek or transport additional water to Blackball from the Greater Greymouth water supply. We are continuing work towards the installation of the replacement gallery pipeline under Blackball Creek.