H2O appreciation

With most Kiwis at home presently, there’s extra pressure on our water systems.

People turn on a tap in their kitchen, flush their toilet or run a load through their washing machine without thinking about where the water comes from or where it goes.

Citycare Water staff are doing a sterling job delivering the essential services of water, wastewater and stormwater maintenance around the country for the wellbeing and safety of our communities, Citycare Water Executive General Manager Tim Gibson said.

As New Zealand’s largest three waters provider, Citycare Water teams maintain over 20,000 kilometres of piping networks to over 25% of properties throughout the country.

“I would like to recognise the work that many of you are doing each day, either in the field, in the depots or from home,” Tim said.

“Based on the feedback we have been getting from members of the public, the work is most greatly appreciated … so thank you!” he said.

“I would also like to recognise those of you who are currently at home with your families. Please be assured that you are playing your part by isolating from home,” Tim said.

Much of the work Citycare Water teams undertake is behind the scenes, ensuring drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services run smoothly.

“For Citycare Water keeping things flowing in times of emergency is business as usual,” Tim said.

“Long-term asset management and optimisation, network management and resilience solutions for water treatment are what we do every day.

“I am extremely proud of the way you have all responded to this challenge, whether at home or in the field. You truly do bring our mission to life, providing us all with ‘Safe Water for Life’,” he said.

On a side note, Civil Defence are doing their best to assist our wastewater and treatment plant teams with the problem of a marked increase in the use of wet wipes for home hygiene.

Civil Defence emergency management director Sarah Stuart-Black urged people to stop flushing wet wipes down the toilet during the coronavirus COVID-19 lockdown.

“They are a major problem for council’s wastewater and treatment plants, and sewerage systems,” she said.

“The bottom line is - please always put wet wipes in the rubbish and not the toilet.”