NO-DES filtration system
From Wednesday, 14 October, crews have begun a programme to remove sand and sediment from the Castlecliff water network using specialist NO-DES filtration equipment.
The water remains safe to drink, and most homes and businesses should continue to receive their normal water supply while the work is underway. We will provide daily updates as crews move through Castlecliff.
How NO-DES works
NO-DES connects to two fire hydrants to create a temporary above-ground loop. Water is circulated through specialised filters that capture sand and sediment, then the cleaned water is returned to the network. Because the water stays within this temporary loop, drinking water can keep flowing to homes and businesses while the system is operating. The process also reduces the amount of water released onto streets and into stormwater.
Learn more about NO-DES
A careful, staged programme
The affected network has been divided into six areas. Crews will work through one area at a time and assess the results before moving on. This allows us to adjust the approach if needed and helps reduce the risk of disturbing sand or sediment elsewhere in the network. We are not yet able to confirm when the full programme will be completed. We will check water pressure, flow, clarity and chlorine levels before, during and after the work. Regular water-quality testing continues to show the water is safe to drink. We will tell residents immediately if this advice changes.
The water is safe to drink
Regular testing shows the water remains safe to drink. We are checking water quality, chlorine and bacteria levels throughout the network. We will tell residents immediately if this advice changes.
What you may notice
- You may notice changes to drinking water while the work is underway.
- You may see crews, vehicles, hoses and filtration equipment near hydrants.
- There may be some noise and short-term traffic or parking changes.
- Crews will keep street access open where possible and can provide ramps for vehicles entering or exiting their properties where hoses are present.
What to do if you notice sand, sediment or discoloured water
- Run the outside or garden tap closest to the road for at least 10 to 15 minutes.
- If the water does not clear, turn the tap off and call us on 06 349 0001
- Do not keep flushing the water or repeatedly run hot water.
Please also call us if you have low or no pressure, or if sand or sediment may have affected taps, filters, your hot-water system, plumbing or household appliances. Tell us your address, what is happening and when it started. Contact us before arranging non-urgent plumbing work so we can record the issue, explain the next steps and discuss what support may be available.
Please contact the council directly rather than posting on Facebook so our teams can follow up and provide the right support.
Drinking water and extra support
A water tanker is available daily from 10.00am to 4.00pm at the Castlecliff Surf Club, Castlecliff Beach, with access from Rangiora Street. Please bring clean containers. If you cannot collect drinking water, call 06 349 0001 to discuss delivery options or other support.
Please check in on neighbours, whānau and friends who may not see online updates or may need help. Thank you for continuing to report issues and for your patience and understanding while this work progresses.
NO-DES Castlecliff area map