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. 

2019 overflows

Discharge began Discharge ceased Overflow location Waterway affected Cause
13/2/2019 2pm 13/2/2019 4.30pm Diamond Harbour Wastewater Treatment Plant Lyttelton Harbour  
2/2/2019 7am 2/2/2019 10am 1 Main Road, Governors Bay Lyttelton Harbour Related to the blockage on the 31st Jan
31/1/2019 8am  31/1/2019 4pm 1 Main Road, Governors Bay Lyttelton Harbour Blocked Sewer
7/1/2019 8.23pm 7/1/2019 9.30pm Cnr. Ferniehurst Street and Ashgrove Tce Heathcote River 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.

Note: All overflow incidents will be recorded in the table above.

Past overflows

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012