There was an issue with the Harihari Water Treatment Plant on Saturday, 12 July caused by a transient voltage event at about 2.31am Saturday morning. This was likely one or more lighting strikes, one to the main power lines feeding the plant and possibly another too or near the reservoir.
These strikes caused the 11kV transformer to fail along with level sensors and several of the main fuses, which tripped out and “fried” the surge protection units and other electronic components utilised in processing and delivery of water to the community.
Regardless of the degree of protection built in, it is impossible to fully protect from a direct strike on the mains supply or the plant itself.
After several hours of effort from Westroads and electrical specialists HHE, the distribution pump and plant were restarted.
The plant continued operating from on-site power generation until Westpower replaced the transformer later on Saturday.
There are still some electronic components requiring replacement and this should be completed today.
Westland District Council would like to thank the community for their understanding and patience during the plant shutdown and repairs.