We’re inspecting the wastewater network in Taihape soon

Our consultant, Taonga Water Advisory will be working closely with Council's Operations and Maintenance team, in carrying this out across the town from late August to October.

Tests will include manhole inspections, visual property inspections , CCTV inspections and some hydraulic testing. There may also be some vapour testing, which will be able to help detect where stormwater is entering the wastewater network – such as through cracked pipes, broken gully traps, illegal connections, or faulty manholes.

It involves blowing a non-toxic, artificial vapour into the underground wastewater pipes. The vapour may be seen coming out of vent pipes on buildings, manholes, or the ground where defects exist. It is non-toxic and not harmful to people, pets, or plants. It doesn’t leave any residue or odor, and it won’t enter your home unless there is defective plumbing or dry drain traps.

Why are we doing this?
The testing is a proactive way to help protect the environment, avoid costly overflows, reduce treatment costs, and keep everyone safe and healthy:

1. Reduces unwanted flows at our wastewater treatment plant
The testing helps detect where stormwater is entering the wastewater network – such as through cracked pipes, broken gully traps, illegal connections, or faulty manholes. When stormwater gets into the wastewater system (known as inflow and infiltration), it increases the volume of water that needs to be treated. This puts unnecessary pressure on the treatment plant, increases operating costs, and can reduce the plant’s effectiveness, especially during wet weather.

2. Reduces the risk of wastewater overflowing into our streets and waterways
When the wastewater system becomes overwhelmed – often due to stormwater inflow – it can back up and overflow into streets, parks, or even your private properties. In worse cases, untreated wastewater can enter our streams and rivers. Identifying and fixing these issues early helps reduce the chance of these overflows occurring.

3. Identifies faults before they become bigger problems
The testing can uncover a range of hidden issues, including broken pipes, open joints, illegal connections, and deteriorating infrastructure. Catching these problems early means repairs can be made before they become more costly or cause damage.

4. Supports long-term network planning
The information gathered from this testing helps us build a clearer picture of how the network is performing. This means we can better plan for upgrades, maintenance, and investment.