Essential water use restrictions are now in place for Westport and Carters Beach after flooding damaged a large section of the region's water pipeline.
Roads around Buller were left impassable after recent flooding. Photo: Supplied / Civil Defence
The Buller District Council says the ground underneath a major section of pipeline slipped away last week, leaving the pipe dangling over a ravine and at risk of breaking.
Contractors are working to repair the severe damage to the tunnel pipeline carrying water to the Westport raw water reservoir ponds but the town's water reservoir is running very low and could run out of water in 10 days.
Mayor Jamie Cleine said the council was investigating alternate supplies and contingencies due to the situation it was facing.
Today, the council put an essential use water restriction notice in place for the Westport and Carters Beach water supply.
Under those restrictions, water can be used for drinking, food prep, hygiene and sanitary purposes. There is a complete ban on outdoor water use.
The town of Westport is currently using 5,500 cubic of metres each day. Restricting use to essential needs will hopefully slow down the depletion of the supply, Cleine said.
The water supply to Westport was shut off from 1pm-7pm on Thursday 17 February while contractors repaired leaks in the trunk main supply line to town, as part of a concerted effort to prevent further losses.
Cleine said engineers were also working on a long-term fix to the pipe, as the ongoing supply of safe water was essential.
"This is the biggest issue we are facing right now. There has been significant, serious damage to a lot of infrastructure including roading and bridges. But right now, we are most concerned about the supply of safe drinking water to the community.
"If we all pitch in, we will be able to maintain our supply while we find a long-term solution."