Sand and sediment return to Whanganui household taps
Wednesday 23 September 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story Whanganui District Council
Approximately 20 households in the Castlecliff suburb are experiencing sand and sediment in their water supplies. The Whanganui District Council stated the issue occurred when a new water main was commissioned. Despite previous flushing efforts, complaints spiked on Wednesday morning, though officials maintain the water remains safe.
Key facts
3 facts
- Sand and sediment issues in Castlecliff began around September 7, 2026.
- About 20 households are currently affected.
- The council maintains the water remains safe to drink.
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
Approximately 20 households in Castlecliff are experiencing sand and sediment in their tap water. Complaints regarding the water quality increased sharply on Wednesday morning. The affected properties are located around Cornfoot, Polson, and Manuka streets.
The issue began roughly three weeks ago when an older section of water main was returned to service for the Castlecliff water main project. Council chief executive Doug Tate stated that higher water flows appear to have disturbed sediment that remained in the line despite previous flushing and disinfection.
Whanganui District Council has reactivated its incident management team to coordinate a response. Crews are flushing the network and adding scouring points to smaller rider mains where low water volumes make sediment removal difficult.
The council is providing water tankers to impacted residents and sending plumbers to inspect hot water systems and appliances. Residents are advised to turn off inside taps and run an outside tap for 10 to 15 minutes if they notice sand.
Where reports differ
- One resident, Derek McInnes, disagreed with the council's assessment that the water is safe to drink.
Compiled from reports by 1News and NZ Herald.