Council helpless as algae clogs Wanaka water

CRIS JOHNSTON/The Southland Times

SLIMED: Mt Iron Dre resident Barbara Wilson prepares to clean her household line filter of algae.

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Residents look set to continue cleaning their water filters as algae infiltrates the Wanaka reservoir and creates havoc for homeowners.

Queenstown Lakes District Council Three Waters manager Gerry Essenberg told the Wanaka Community Board yesterday the unidentified algae, one of about 50 varieties identified in Lake Wanaka, had the "upper hand."

It was infiltrating the Wanaka reservoir as intake filter screens were not fine enough to keep it out of the reticulation system.

The algae became a problem two years ago when unexplained low water pressure started to plague householders.

This summer some residents reported pressure was reduced "to a trickle" and said they felt the Queenstown Lakes District Council was shirking its responsibilities by not ensuring a constant supply.

Speaking at yesterday's meeting, board member Dick Kane said the council and board should not be asking residents to clean their filters once a week to fix the problem.

However, Mr Essenberg said nothing could be done to reduce the problem, and responsibility came back to the householder "who has to deal with it".

There were plans to get a revised item into the council budgets to fund extra treatment of water in the reservoir for algae removal.

The council was also considering putting together an information brochure to advise residents of who to contact if struck by low pressure.

Mt Iron Dr resident Barbara Wilson, who spoke to The Southland Times before the meeting, demanded more from the council to fix the problem.

"Why such high rates and no water?" Mrs Wilson said.

She was advised by a United Water representative to clean all household filters including those on washing machines, gas hot water systems and dishwashers.

The problem was rectified with the help of a friend who cleaned the property's line filter but within two weeks it was clogged again.

Wanaka plumber Alistair Gillespie said the council was shirking its responsibility.

The cost to clean filters was about $65 plus GST, and the simplest answer was for households to install line filters.

"The algae affects all areas in Wanaka – there is no pattern to it. I believe the problem occurs due to an inadequate water system."

- © Fairfax NZ News

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