New Zealand / Infrastructure

Warkworth residents asked to conserve water immediately after pipe bursts

13:04 pm on 28 April 2023

Warkworth residents are being asked to reduce their water use. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly

Auckland's water company says water levels in the Warkworth reservoir, which dropped dramatically because of burst pipes, will be back to normal before the end of the day.

Urgent repairs are under way to fix the pipes after a significant water main broke yesterday, and another pipe went this morning.

Watercare's head of service delivery Sharon Danks told Midday Report the reservoir is recovering and is back up to about 30 percent full.

But she said people still need to keep conserving water.

Warkworth experience second water main breakage

Warkworth residents in the Auckland region were earlier being urged to reduce their water use immediately.

Watercare said local reservoir levels were dropping to critically low levels and residents should keep showers short and stop using dishwashers and washing machines.

Bridgehouse Lodge Bar and Restaurant had not been able to open due to the water loss.

Warkworth Hotel said businesses in the northern part of the town, where it is based, were less affected.