A wastewater overflow is when wastewater flows out from the pipes or manholes from where it is usually contained into a stream, river or the sea. This is not normal and preventing this from occurring is a high priority for the Council.

Wastewater overflow details are listed below. Information will be updated as soon as possible, and once discharge has ceased.

Pollution may take up to two days to completely clear after the discharge has ceased. 

2020 overflows

Discharge began Discharge ceased Overflow location Waterway affected Cause
29/6/2020 9.00am  30/06/2020 12.30pm Diamond Harbour Wastewater Treatment Plant Lyttelton Harbour High rainfall
29/6/2020 6.25am 29/6/2020 9.30am Heathcote River at the Corner of Eastern Tce and Sandwich Rd Heathcote River High rainfall
29/6/2020 6.25am 29/6/2020 9.30am Heathcote River at the Corner of Eastern Tce and Fisher Ave Heathcote River High rainfall
29/6/2020 5.15am 29/6/2020 7.35am PS0615 Akaroa Fire Station Akaroa Harbour High rainfall
15/6/2020 6.30pm 15/6/2020 7.00pm Lyttelton Wastewater Treatment Plant Lyttelton Harbour Pump failure
14/4/2020 6.04am 14/4/2020 7.12am Lyttelton Wastewater Treatment Plant Lyttelton Harbour Pump failure
11/4/2020 7.00am 11/4/2020 7.30am Lyttelton Wastewater Treatment Plant Lyttelton Harbour Plant Failure
3/4/2020 11:45pm 3/4/2020 82 Centaurus Road Heathcote River Blocked sewer
1/4/2020 2.30pm 1/4/2020 4.40pm Te Ana Marina, Lyttelton Lyttelton Harbour Blocked sewer
9/3/2020 7.30am  9/3/2020 12.30pm Jetty Road, Governors Bay Lyttelton Harbour Pipe failure
6/3/2020 approx. 1pm  6/3/2020 approx. 6pm 34 Centaurus Road (via Sibleys Drain at Plumwood Lane) Heathcote River  Under investigation
29/2/2020 11am 29/2/2020 1.30pm 277 Hoon Hay Road Heathcote River Blocked sewer (Syphon)
2/2/2020 9.57am 2/2/2020 10.46am Lyttelton Wastewater Treatment Plant Lyttelton Harbour Pump failure
1/1/2020 11am 1/1/2020 Simeon Quay Lyttelton Harbour Blocked sewer

Ongoing issues under investigation

Overflow location Waterway affected Possible cause
Lyttelton Wastewater Treatment Plant Outfall Lyttelton Harbour

Intermittent overloading of the reticulation during rainfall. Possible cause is cross-connection between stormwater and wastewater. A project is ongoing to reduce inflow and infiltration in the Lyttelton reticulation.

All overflow incidents will be recorded in the table above.

Past overflows

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012