Process and requirements for requesting a planned shut-off of the Council water supply network.
You must request a water shut-off (WSO) when planned work requires the isolation of part of the Council water supply network.
Water shut-offs are planned and coordinated with Council to manage impacts on the water supply network and affected customers.
Before requesting a water shut-off
Before submitting a request, provide enough information for Council to understand the proposed work and prepare the required water shut-off plan.
At a minimum, provide:
- Location and description of the proposed work.
- Proposed date and time of the shut-off.
- A plan showing the location and extent of the proposed works.
- Details of any connections, valves or other network changes being undertaken.
If known, you can also provide:
- The affected watermain or other Council assets.
- Proposed isolation points or a proposed shut-off plan.
- Proposed work methodology and sequencing.
- Details of any customers with specific requirements that may be affected.
Council will review the information provided and return a water shut-off plan identifying the required isolation points and any conditions that apply.
Water Shut-off requests must be submitted to Council for review before the proposed works. For Council projects, please email the Council Contracts Engineer responsible for your project.
Allow at least five working days for Council to review and coordinate the proposed shut-off. Submitting a request does not constitute approval to proceed. Council will confirm the agreed shut-off arrangements before the work takes place.
Permitted shut-off windows
- Day shut-offs: Up to four hours between 9am and 3pm.
- Night shut-offs: Up to four hours between 10pm and 5am.
General requirements
- All valves must be checked as serviceable before the shut-off.
- The timing must be agreed with affected sensitive or commercial customers where required.
- Temporary water supplies must be provided where required.
- All work involving AC pipe must comply with the National Asbestos Cement Pressure Pipe Manual.
- Any temporary water supply carrier used must be registered with Taumata Arowai.
- Pressure testing, chlorination, bacteriological testing and welding must meet the applicable Council specification requirements.
Affected customers must be notified at least two days before the shut-off. Council will provide the water Shut-off notification/flyer following acceptance of the proposed shut-off. The contractor is responsible for distributing these to affected customers.
Additional coordination may be required for customers such as:
- Schools and childcare facilities
- Hospitals and dialysis patients
- Cafes and food premises
- Hair salons
- Commercial and industrial premises.
Any change to the agreed scope, methodology, sequencing, date or timing must be discussed with Council before proceeding.
Works must not leave the network isolated or without the required backup supply unless this has been specifically reviewed and accepted by Council.
A Permit to Work (PtW) and a water shut-off are separate processes.
Where a PtW is required for the proposed work, approval of the permit does not replace the requirement to arrange and receive confirmation of the water shut-off.
