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Wastewater

Wastewater

Wastewater is the liquid which drains from showers, sinks, washing machines, baths, toilets, and industrial premises. Wastewater is 99.9% water and contains less than 0.1% other materials.

In Hamilton, wastewater is transported through a network of pipes to the Wastewater Treatment Plant in Pukete. Hamilton City Council is responsible for managing the network and providing for the safety of the community and our environment.

Wastewater network facts:

  • 45 millon litres of wastewater are generated per day
  • 725 km of pipes ranging from 100mm to 1800mm in diameter
  • 13,333 manholes
  • 42,490 connections
  • 115 pumping stations
  • 5 major wastewater pipeline bridges


 

Network protection

Industries such as electroplaters, meat processors and chemical manufacturers have the potential to release hazardous substances and objects into the Wastewater network. They can block or damage the pipe network and disrupt Hamilton city's wastewater treatment process, and can be a risk to public, environment and relevant Council staff.

To minimise these risks Council has developed a Trade Waste Bylaw. All industries must comply with the bylaw if they wish to use the network and wastewater treatment facilities.


 

Connections

Connections to the Hamilton City Waste Water System are usually arranged through a Subdivision or Building Consent process and these connections need to comply with the HCC Development Manual; which, for small and medium sized developments, is summarised in the Connections Guide.

Copies of the Connections Guide and applications for wastewater connections can be arranged through the Water and Waste Services counter on the 6th floor of the Municipal Building in Garden Place.

All lots should already have a wastewater connection when sold for further development; you can find information on existing connections at Services Plans.


 

 

Infiltration/Inflow (I/I)

Signs of I/I problems are:

  • Wastewater manholes surcharging (lids popping)
  • Pump station and gully trap overflows

Wastewater overflow on roads or private property create health risks.

In order to manage the risks, property owners are required to ensure stormwater does not enter the wastewater system through correct mechanisms. If you have one of these occur in your property, you must contact a plumber straight away to have it rectified.

  • Stormwater flows into your gully traps that are too low
  • Downpipes from your roofs lead to wastewater pipes/your gully trap
  • Drainage pipe joints leak or cracked pipes

Hamilton City Council carries out a city wide property inspection programme to identify gully traps, which either receive roof water via illegally connected down pipes or are inadequately installed to the extent that surface water can flow directly into the wastewater system. Cost associated with the extra wastewater pumping and treatment can increase significantly die to I/I problems.

Council inspects manholes and pipes (with diagnostic tools such as smoke and dye tracing and CCTV(Closed Circuit Television Video)) where there is a high rate of infiltration/inflow. Remedial works include sealing manholes, grouting pipe joints, relining pipes and replacing pipes.

 

Contact


 
 
 
 
 
 
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Waste and Water Services
Level 6, Council Offices
Garden Place
Hamilton City Council
Private Bag 3010
Hamilton 3240
Phone: 838 6999
Fax: 838 6998