October 18, 2023
Watercare completes Parnell sinkhole bypass
After a massive 20-day effort, Watercare has completed a bypass to the sinkhole in Parnell which blocked the Ōrākei main sewer.
Chief operations officer Mark Bourne says the bypass will significantly reduce overflows into the Waitematā Harbour.
The temporary pump station can handle flows up to 600 litres per second, which should be sufficient to handle normal flows in dry weather.
“The temporary pumps are more susceptible to blockages than our standard network pumps, so it will be more important than ever for people to only flush the 3Ps – pee, poo and toilet paper. Please don’t flush wet wipes or any other rubbish,” Mr Bourne says.
The rāhui put in place by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei for the inner Waitematā Harbour remains in place, and people should check safeswim.org.nz for the latest water quality information before they head into the harbour.