Check before you dig is a key message from the Wairoa District Council.

If you are planning to dig or excavate the last thing you want to do is hit a water or sewer line, or other utilities such as electricity, communications or other cables.

To keep safe always check what is underground before you dig. Digging without knowing the approximate location of underground utilities can result in damage which can lead to service disruptions and serious injury.

In Wairoa, particularly the township, there is a labyrinth of very old pipes and a lot of sewer mains and some watermains that run through private property.

Accidentally breaking into an old sewer line runs the risk of releasing toxic substances which can become an environmental problem if not contained

Newer networks and pipes are installed on the road reserve to minimise this occurring.

Most of these pipes are usually quite deep but there is always a chance they can be dug up if their location is not verified first.

Wairoa District Council interim chief executive Kitea Tipuna said Council had a recent incident where a member of the public accidently dug up a council asset that was within his property boundaries.

“This recent example is a timely reminder for anyone who is digging or excavating to check what is underneath.

“It is easy to check using our online maps or call and ask council on 06 838 7309 before digging.”

17 May 2021

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