Waikato road reopens, water conservation requested after massive landslip

A contractor clearing the slip debris off Mangaokewa Rd southeast of Te Kuiti. Photo / Waitomo District Council, Facebook

Te Kuiti residents are being asked to conserve water after a massive slip of saturated farmland closed a road southeast of the town and inundated part of its water catchment.

Mangaokewa Rd is now open, following removal of debris from the landslip, the Waitomo District Council said this morning, but its water conservation request remains in place.

Mud from the slip of between 10 and 20ha of land inundated the Mangaokewa Stream and poured on to Mangaokewa Rd about 7km east of State Highway 30 on Tuesday. The site is about 20km from Te Kuiti.

Te Kuiti's water treatment plant takes water from the Mangaokewa catchment and the Waitomo District Council says the slip has muddied the water downstream.

"The Te Kuiti water treatment plant is producing safe treated drinking water without any major issues," the council said. "However, water production has slowed down considerably and we are monitoring the plant very closely.

"We are seeking the co-operation of Te Kuiti residents and businesses to conserve water and be mindful of the current situation."

Residents and businesses are asked to avoid washing vehicles, washing and water-blasting of building exteriors and footpaths, using hoses for clean up, irrigation of lawns or gardens.

The slip poured into the Mangaokewa Stream. Photo / Waitomo District Council, Facebook

The slip is about 20km southeast of Te Kuiti. Map: topomap.co.nz

The council said the road was impassable after Tuesday's slip.

A council roading contractor was clearing the debris yesterday.

Waikato Regional Council staff would today help to assess the effects of the landslip.

Sudden flooding downstream is not expected, as water is flowing past the slip area, but the water is likely to be discoloured for some time.

Regional council hazards team leader Rick Liefting said the slip showed the risk posed by saturated land.

"The rainfall in the region over the past few months has been higher than in other recent years. March and April saw rainfall and river levels at their highest on record in places.

"Based on current forecast rainfall, we don't have any particular current concerns about river flooding or other rain-related hazards in the region.

"Butwe need to remain vigilant for hazards and their potential impacts on people, transport infrastructure and the environment.

"We were lucky that this slip occurred in a relatively remote area."

Between 10 and 20ha of land moved in the slip. Photo / Waitomo District Council, Facebook

The slip fell into Mangaokewa Stream on Tuesday. Photo / Waitomo District Council, Facebook

Mud from the slip is expected to leave Mangaokewa Stream discoloured for some time. Photo / Waitomo District Council, Facebook