Waiouru water woes worked on

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 534, 3 May 1994, Page 5

Waiouru water woes worked on

By

Michele

Monaghan

Waiouru water has had a noticeable smell and distinctive 'flavour' lately, but Andrew Hema, Serco spokesman, says the problem should be cleared up by today. The water is "quite drink-

able" says Mr Hema "it just has a funny smell". Massey University staff conducted tests two weeks ago and although the results are not yet known, water treatment staff are confident the water is fine. Waiouru water usually

comes from the Home Valley supply but because of a faulty pump, had to be switched to the Waitangi supply. Waitangi water is treated at the source and doesn't go through the filter banks that get rid of the smell. "That is primarily the difference," said Mr Hema. Waitangi water is chlorinated for purification and then put back in to the system via the reservoir.

The faulty pump has been sent to Auckland for repairs and was expected back yesterday. The pump is a key component in the whole system and was only pumping at about one third of its normal capacity. Terry Gray, water treatment operator, said " we were in a no-win situation". Waiouru was in danger of running out of water, so they had to switch to the alternative supply.

The brown colour in the water was caused by water running the opposite way through the pipes, which stirred up sediment in the reticulation pipes. Normally water is treated at the treatment plant starting with aluminium sulphate and polymers being added to the water. This forms a 'floc blanket' (like cotton wool) that filters out impurities in the water. At this stage the water still has a "river taste" so it is put through a sand filter that is virtually a "final polishing" said Mr Gray. Waiouru water is also fluoridated at the treatment plant. _ . ..