The wastewater system goes live!

As of 19 December 2022, Stage One of the Clyde Wastewater project has gone live, with nearly 200 properties connected to the scheme.

The Clyde Wastewater project dates back to the business case and subsequent Long-term Plan public engagement of 2018. The upgraded system will meet environmental and resource consent requirements, and significantly improve the quality of Clyde's urban wastewater discharges. Most importantly, it will provide the Clyde community with an environmentally safe wastewater system that will bring significant environmental, health and well-being benefits for decades to come. It will also allow for future growth in a managed and sustainable manner. 

We thank the community for its support and patience throughout Stage 1 and wish you a very happy and restful holiday period. 

Pictured below: Central Otago Mayor Tim celebrates the milestone by donning a poo suit for a promo video. Watch it at on Council's YouTube channel. 

Looking after your new service

It is important to remember that even with the new scheme, sticking to flushing the three Ps (pee, poo and toilet paper) is important to ensure an effective and reliable wastewater system. 

• Don’t believe the wipe hype: a recent rise in products deemed ‘flushable’ is misleading. They do not break down the way toilet paper does and cause clogging of pipes and pumps. 

• Fats and Oils from cooking should be disposed of in the rubbish, not down the drain. Fats and oils solidify in our wastewater system causing significant blockages and wastewater overflows

• Bear in mind that most wastewater pipes in Central Otago are only 10 centimetres in diameter and not designed to carry anything that isn’t bio-degradable.

• Blockages are costly for people and Council; billions of dollars around the world are spent on removing wipes, clearing blockages and repairing systems. 

What if something goes wrong?

Although we are confident of the reliability of the new wastewater scheme, as with any large project, there can, at times, be teething issues. If you find you are having issues with your wastewater service, we have a process in place to have the issue resolved as soon as possible. 

The workmanship of our contractor is guaranteed for 12-months, including the private property work. 

Our contractor has an agreement with a local plumber and electrician to respond to any faults in the new system over the next 12 months. If the fault is a result of the workmanship, the invoice will be sent directly to Council’s contractor.

Any issue caused by misuse of either the low-pressure system or the gravity system caused by the resident, will be at the customer's cost.

Low Pressure Pump warranty

For those customers with a low-pressure pump system, there is a two-year warranty on the pumps, starting from 7 November 2022. In the new year we will send you a copy of the warrantee card and have one saved to your property account here at Council.

The Owners Guide for the pump can be found here. 

What’s next for stage one properties?

Our project email continues to be available clydeprojects@codc.govt.nz during normal business hours or call our 24/7 front desk on (03) 440 0056 if you have any questions or concerns.

Decommissioning of your septic tank

After your property is connected to the reticulation system your septic tank will no longer be in use. 

Council has appointed SJ Allen Ltd to empty, disinfect and puncture the tank. The current timeframe for this work to start is late January 2023. SJ Allen will contact you directly to arrange a suitable timeframe for this work to be completed

Backfilling or removal of your septic tank

Once your septic tank has been emptied and punctured, you will need to have the tank removed or fill the tank with gravel. 

On our website you'll find a list of businesses that may be able to backfill septic tanks and undertake reinstatement of surfaces. Council does not endorse any of the businesses listed and suggest you do your own due diligence when engaging a company. Please note these are suggestions only and other businesses may be available.

Code of Compliance

Once you have had the tank removed or filled, you will need to apply for code of compliance with photo evidence to Council’s Building team. The completed application can be emailed to building@codc.govt.nz or posting to the 1 Dunorling Street, Alexandra, 9320 

In previous communications you were provided with a copy of the application form with relevant sections prefilled, if you have misplaced this, please email building@codc.govt.nz.

Financial Contribution

In accordance with the consultation that was undertaken as part of the 2018-28 Long-term Plan, all Clyde ratepayers will be required to contribute towards the project capital costs once their property is able to be connected to the scheme. 

As a ratepayer in this stage, you can either:

1. pay a targeted rate spread over 10-years from 1 July 2023 (the default); or

2. opt-in to pay a lump sum over one-year 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024, this will be paid either in one payment or quarterly depending on how you pay your rates invoice. 

At the end of January/early February 2023, we will send you a form where you can elect which of the two options above you would prefer for your contribution to the capital costs of the scheme. You do not need to do anything right now regarding the capital contribution.