A new drinking water pipeline has been confirmed for the Canterbury town of Springfield.
Photo: 123RF
The town has had ongoing problems with its drinking water, since severe flooding last May caused a slip in its water supply, the Kōwai River.
The slip means the water now gets too stirred up to treat after heavy rain, which has seen Springfield put under a precautionary boil water notice for much of the past two months.
Last month, some residents had even taken to showering in the community hall.
Selwyn District Council has confirmed this week, a new pipeline will be constructed to nearby Sheffield's water supply.
It will allow clean water to be pumped into the town as needed and has the capacity to be an emergency supply.
The council said together with additional reservoir storage and a new treatment system, the pipeline should help increase the quality of Springfield's water.
It is expected to be completed by mid-July, at a cost of $1.2 million.
Contractors have also begun working to divert part of the Kōwai River back to its original course this week.
Selwyn District Mayor Sam Broughton said staff have worked extremely hard to get the pipeline and river work underway.
"We've been faced with a complex situation that, unfortunately, has no quick fixes. I acknowledge that Springfield residents are going through a very difficult time and we're determined to address the situation as soon as possible," he said.
