Published on 10 March 2026
This week Waitaki District Council took another step towards delivering an amended Water Services Delivery Plan (WSDP) as SouthRoads contractors inspected wastewater and drinking water mains on Reed Street, Oamaru.
Targeted excavation allowed ultrasound testing of cast-iron water mains at the junction of Reed and Usk Street, and at another location on Reed Street.
At the same time, CCTV investigation of the earthenware wastewater pipe network took place at the same location.
A desktop asset condition assessment was completed in December 2025 and the Mayor and Councillors approved funding for the next phase which included an independent asset maturity assessment, and targeted excavation and inspection of pipework in the District.
Waitaki District Mayor Mel Tavendale said, “Our decision last month set the direction for the future of water services as part of Southern Waters, but there is still work that needs doing before we submit a plan later this year. I’d like to thank the team, and contractors for their hard work to fulfil requests made by the DIA”
Waitaki District Council Chief Executive Alex Parmley said, “We are following the direction from the Mayor and Councillors to rejoin Southern Waters, subject to their approval, and preparing a WSDP with that intent. Our Assets Team and contractors have identified locations to gather data for our asset condition assessment, which will feed in to our revised WSDP. We are keeping Hon Amy Adams and DIA informed of our progress.”
ENDS
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