The diesel tank behind the Turoa Ski Area lodge which is the source of the leak, which can be smelled from several metres away. PHOTO/BEVAN CONLEY
The diesel tank behind the Turoa Ski Area lodge which is the source of the leak, which can be smelled from several metres away. PHOTO/BEVAN CONLEY
The Raetihi community has come together to get through the small town's water crisis.
A diesel tank behind the Turoa Ski Area lodge has been leaking at least 15,000 litres into the Makotuku Stream since last weekend. The tank is owned by Turoa Ski Field operators Ruapehu Alpine Lifts, operating in Tongariro National Park.
The stream feeds Raetihi's water supply, which was shut off on Tuesday and may not be on again for 10 days.
Ruapehu District Council deputy mayor Don Cameron said 27 portaloos and 15 1000-litre water containers had been delivered around the town and the two rugby clubs, the golf club and various marae had opened to allow people to shower.
The council was also bringing in 20-litre water tanks for anyone who needed them, and a truck carrying several dozen watercooler-type bottles was on the main street yesterday.
Kim Treen, customer services manager at the council, said smaller water containers were being delivered to pensioners and other vulnerable people.
"From this afternoon we will have volunteer transport going so people can go to have showers, there's a real feeling of community spirit at work."
Ms Treen's sentiment was shared by Sharon Scarrow, practice manager at the nearby doctor's surgery. There had been no health complaints after drinking the water to date.
"All sorts of services in the region have pulled together and we're all working outside our normal spheres - we're all working together to get through."
One resident who came to collect some water was clearly upset with Ruapehu Alpine Lifts, the operators of Turoa, and asked why large amounts of diesel were needed up the mountain at all. Others who came to the tanker near the Four Square foodmarket were more concerned with being able to wash and wanted to know how long the water would be off.
The Chronicle went to a ford over the Makotuku Stream behind Horopito Motors where booms had been set up in an attempt to contain the spill. There was a strong smell of diesel in the area and the liquid was clearly visible on the water. A worker from Veolia Water, which runs the water supply, was taking samples at the time but said she could not speak to the press.
Horizons Regional Council incident controller Craig Grant said two teams would carry out visual and sniff tests of all waterways in the catchment today.
"The main priority is the community of Raetihi and we will be working alongside the Ruapehu District Council, DoC and local iwi to help minimise disruption to people's lives and livelihoods."
David Gilberd with 1000l water tank placed around Raetihi. PHOTO/BEVANCONLEY
"Due to the time delay, in order to get the water back on as soon as possible and to have a clean source of water to flush the system out ... the best solution is to find an alternative source, of which we have a couple of options."
Wanganui District Council has confirmed that its senior water engineer, Srian Fonseka, was in touch with staff from the RDC on Wednesday regarding the water issue to offer assistance.
The RDC said updates would be provided via local radio and on www.ruapehudc.govt.nz. People can also go to the council office on Seddon St which will be open from 9am today and tomorrow.
