Water protection upgrades needed

A number of commercial properties in Feilding will need to upgrade their water protection installations following a major inspection throughout the town by the Manawatu District Council.


The inspection revealed 170 properties requiring back-flow protection fittings, 36 needing waste water grease-traps and 20 having to install oil interceptors.


Water Manager, Wayne Spencer, said he was a “bit surprised” at the number of businesses that needed to meet compliance requirements.


“There are a lot more back-flow installations required than estimated, though the numbers for grease-traps and interceptors were in the vicinity of what council anticipated.”


He said the inspection was aimed at protecting the town’s water supplies against contamination, ensuring its sewer system did not overflow and guarding natural waterways against pollution.


Similar inspections have been carried out throughout New Zealand because of changes to national drinking water standards.


Mr Spencer said the cost of upgrades facing property owners would depend on the size of the installation required.


“We will be sending letters out in the next few weeks to those commercial properties that require work, with most owners being given six months to complete their installations.”


He said the set-up costs would, like any connection, be the responsibility of the business, though council would take over and be responsible for future maintenance, testing and renewal requirements.


“The inspection was certainly worth while,” said Mr Spencer, “as it’s allowed us to get records up to date and to underline the importance of meeting drinking water requirements and compliance.”


Mr Spencer said there had been a positive response from businesses to the inspection once they knew the importance of those requirements and some had already carried out their upgrade.