Rural Drainage Channel Network

Wairau Land Drainage

Land drainage services are actively provided for 8,000 ha of the low-lying Wairau floodplain. Eighteen pumping stations are used to transport this water to sea via 150 km of minor watercourses. The majority of watercourses and channels managed for public drainage purposes are on private land and only a third is on Council reserve or road reserve

The drainage scheme is designed to provide a level of service to landowners with properties greater that 1 hectare in size. Routine maintenance is provided to ensure the watercourses are not inhibited by weed or silt. Environmental factors are of high priority twice yearly assessments of these areas to ensure efficient drainage.

Clearance of the drainage channels is achieved by Spring and Autumn Spray Programme. Machinery may be required for removal of silt and problem trees.

Pump Stations

25 rural pump stations are maintained to supplement the gravity drainage flows of the lower wairau drains, and urban Blenheim stormwater systems. During flood events pump stations are monitored and are a vital part of the infrastructure enabling the increased flow of water from flood prone areas.

Flood Gates and Channels

Flood gates and channels require annual inspection to ensure operational readiness and asset surety.