Owaka inflow and inflitration inspection

The Clutha District Council is undertaking a district-wide property inspection programme to identify any issues with inflow and infiltration to our sewer collection system.

Council employees will be going door-to-door undertaking visual checks of your stormwater and sewerage utilities and will be in Owaka during December 2024.

What is Inflow and Infiltration?

Inflow and Infiltration refers to rainwater and groundwater that enters the wastewater system through a variety of defects on public and private property.

Inflow is the direct discharge of stormwater (i.e., rainwater) entering the sewer collection system, often from low lying gully traps, yard drains, roof downpipes and cross connections from stormwater drains that connect directly to the sewer.

Infiltration is the stormwater that seeps into the ground and enters the sewerage system, including sewer service connections, through defects, cracks, and joints in the pipe.

Why are we doing this?

When heavy rain hits the Clutha District wastewater can get into our waterways and has a detrimental effect on our environment.

Next steps, how can you help?

Once the inspection has been completed, property owners will be contacted regarding the findings and advice on remedial actions. As a property owner, you play an important role in addressing this issue and helping to reduce the risk of overflows. If you find any issues that you can easily resolve, we encourage you to do this.

The Clutha District Council Water Technician will be wearing an orange vest and carrying a warrant card so they will be easily identified. If you have any queries regarding our Water Technician entering your property, please phone Clutha District Council on 03 419 0200 or 0800 801 350 or email inflowenquiries@cluthadc.govt.nz