While pressure on Dannevirke's wastewater system has dropped off, there are still concerns further south, especially in Eketahuna.
Because of the large amount of rainfall, more than 150mm in three days, Dannevirke's wastewater network was inundated with water. However, with the respite in the rainfall yesterday, the system is now rapidly clearing.
"In the south we have an amount of infiltration, but we are coping," Tararua District Council's chief executive Blair King said.
The council had earlier requested Dannevirke residents connected to the wastewater network to refrain from using washing machines and only flush the toilet when necessary.
Yesterday Mr King said council was asking people to help out by managing their washing machine use.
"It's surprising how much water is used by washing machines, even doing half loads," he said. "We'd like people to be careful with their water use over the next couple of days. A drop back by 10 per cent a household makes a huge difference."
