Loss of water or power supply

The loss of water or power supply could occur at any time. It could happen from a failure within the power or water reticulation systems or as a consequence of any of the possible emergencies outlined.

Wanganui Utilities Services has a number of well tried and tested "failure response" plans and procedures in place for any breakdown of normal service. The City reservoirs hold three to five days' supply, which will ensure a restricted service will be continued whilst repairs are being made. Remember that most people have at least a week's worth of drinking water in their hot water cylinders.

Powerco also has response plans which allow for repair of the power supply in the shortest possible time. Powerco can also redirect power through alternate lines to bypass a major fault until normal supply routes can be re-established. www.energywise.org.nz

How to save and store water

Why do you need to save and store water?
An active adult needs to drink up to three litres of fluid each day. In very hot weather, our bodies need more. In a major emergency, drinking water supplies will almost certainly be disrupted.

How much water should you store?
You should prepare enough water to cover drinking, cooking and hygiene needs for up to five days, perhaps longer, and you must have enough for at least three days. If you have pets, they will need drinking water as well.

Preparing water

• Use large size plastic soft drink bottles. (As a rough guide, you will need 1-2 bottles per person per day).
• Do not use milk containers as it is practically impossible to remove milk residue. This residue will cause bacteria growth.
• Wash the bottles thoroughly in hot water.
• Fill each plastic bottle until it overflows with water that has been boiled for three minutes, then cooled.
• Make sure there are no air gaps, then place the lids on tightly. It is important that no air gets in as this could make the water go stale.
• Label each bottle with dates showing when the water was prepared and when it needs to be renewed.
• Water prepared in this way will still be drinkable after six months, probably longer.

Storing the water

• Storing the bottles away from direct sunlight will help to keep the water clear.
• Check the bottles every six months. It is likely that the water will still be drinkable but if it is not clear, throw the water out and start again.

Using the water

• A few drops of lemon juice will help to freshen the taste and so will exposing the water to fresh air for a while (try pouring it into a different container).
• Keep the plastic soft drink bottles and refill them when the emergency is over.
• Boiling water for three minutes will kill any micro-organisms that could cause vomiting and diarrhoea.

Not just for disasters

• Major supply pipes and your own plumbing can develop leaks that may leave you without water.
• Having water stored can help whenever your water supply is disrupted.

Getting the water out of your hot water cylinder

The water in your hot water tank is a valuable source of clean water. Providing the header tank in the ceiling is secure and the pipes have not been broken, you will get water out of the hot water-cylinder until the water has been used up.
There are two main types of hot water tank systems used in New Zealand houses, low mains pressure and low pressure systems.
For both systems, firstly:

• Shut your water supply off at the toby-box outside your home. This will prevent any contaminated water (from broken pipes on the street) from siphoning back up into your internal plumbing.
• If any pipeline is damaged between the toby-box and your internal plumbing system, you should clamp the pipe with a G-clamp or improvise with a set of vice-grips. Another option is to bend the pipe 180 degrees to stop the leak.

For both systems the water can be extracted by opening the drain valve at the bottom of the hot water cylinder and collecting from the external drainage point (as shown in this diagram).

Remember to turn off the electricity if you do drain the hot water-cylinder. This will prevent the element from burning out.

Priorities

Restrict unnecessary use of water or power. The response to any breakdown in continuity of services to Wanganui residents will have the following priorities:

1. The safety of people.
2. The release of timely information and advice to the public.
3. The restoration of services as soon as possible.

Loss of water supply (1994)

The Wanganui urban water supply has been significantly jeopardised three times in the last decade. In April 1994 one pipeline burst, affecting the adjacent pipe and losing two-thirds of the City supply. A similar problem in September 1996 made use of the Council's Civil Defence procedures for "Minor Emergencies" and the Public Information team.

The summer of 1997 was extremely dry, and a major initiative calling on water conservation by residents averted potential supply problems.

Sewage

Visit Greater Wellington Regional Council's site for information about how to deal with sewage.