Wear Street leak highlights challenges of ageing infrastructure

Published on 12 January 2026

Pre-1900 cast-iron mains require more than quick fixes to maintain the water supply.

A leaking valve at the junction of Wear and Lower Thames Street has highlighted the challenges facing the Waitaki District’s water network – especially in areas where pipework is now over 126 years old.

The current leak resulted from a valve shutdown, which took place to allow the connection of water to a new fire suppression system in the Forrester Gallery in December, just before the holiday period. Over the break Council runs a skeleton crew focused primarily on work essential for maintaining services to the community.

Older infrastructure, especially the valves on the Victorian-era cast iron pipework, is often fragile, and the asset data on these pipes is incomplete. For instance, when working on the Forrester Gallery connection, it was determined that the pipework in that location was 50mm smaller in diameter than what was recorded.

Council is planning to complete more extensive works, including replacing the T-junction at Wear and Lower Thames Street, and other valves, as part of the planned work.

The necessary shutdown of the water network in this area to replace the valve will also cut water supply to all businesses and residents on Lower Thames Street, including the Brydone Hotel, Oamaru Backpackers and the Oamaru Hospital for up to 8 hours. Council will work with these businesses to minimise inconvenience as much as possible.

On a fragile asset where there are high consequences for commercial businesses and social services, we want to ensure we have correct information, a robust plan, contingency plans, and appropriate parts and resources before we start work.

Water infrastructure work is funded 100% by rates, and our oldest pipework has been carefully managed to maximise its useful life. Managing this network to ensure consistent, secure and safe water delivery to the Oamaru CBD requires careful planning to make sure that the work takes place in a way that is affordable to the ratepayer.

ENDS

media@waitaki.govt.nz