A truck delivers water tanks to Martinborough, which will be part of the construction of the town’s manganese removal plant. The plant is being installed as part of the project to safeguard the town’s drinking water after recent E.coli scares. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
Work has stepped up on the project to boost Martinborough’s drinking water supplies.
Contractors are installing the manganese removal plant recommended after the town’s 2019 E.coli scare.
The plant will improve the quality of Martinborough’s water by removing excess manganese and iron. It will enable water to be chlorinated and supplied from all four of the town’s bores.
Manganese reacts with chlorine in water and causes discolouration.
Water restrictions in the township were tighter than usual this summer because only one bore, the bore with the lowest level of manganese, was in use.
Pressure testing and pipe disinfecting has already been completed and the water tanks have been delivered to site.
Two additional fire hydrants in the town, outside Peppers and Nga Waka winery, will also be installed to remove a backflow and contamination risk, and increase supplies for the fire brigade.
Neighbouring properties had water turned off for up to four hours on Thursday, and again yesterday, for the work.
Temporary alternative water supplies were in place. – NZLDR
