Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Work is currently underway to repair a broken sewer pipe in Eastbourne.
On Saturday afternoon, the main sewer line next to the pumping station in Days Bay burst.
Both treated and untreated wastewater entered the port through the pipeline.
Due to the flooding, three public beaches in Days Bay, York Bay and Sunshine Bay also had to be closed.
Wellington Water said the pipe had been successfully drained overnight and that it was now moving on to the next phase of repairs.
“The repair is complex due to a number of factors, including the fact that the pipe is located on a busy stretch of road and there are multiple utilities in the area.”
The repair work is expected to take several days. In the meantime, Eastbourne residents are being asked to flush toilets less often and avoid long showers to save water.
Wellington Water said sampling would continue in affected areas and that tankers would remain on site to transport wastewater to the Seaview Treatment Plant, where it would be treated until repairs were completed.
Meanwhile, local penguin expert Mike Rumble told RNZ that the local penguin sanctuary was checked over the weekend and was not affected by the pollution.
