Consumers on three North Otago water schemes could have water again today as the Waitaki District Council continues to assess and repair widespread flood damage resulting from last week's torrential rain.
However, some of the 830 consumers on the extremities of the Awamoko, Lower Waitaki and Herbert-Waianakarua water schemes may not have a full supply for up to two days, the time it could take for water to reach the end of pipes and fill tanks.
"When a scheme is completely depleted, it takes a while to get water back through the pipes," council policy manager Ben Hopkins said yesterday .
Council assets group staff and Whitestone Roading Ltd contractors were yesterday assessing and repairing the damage.
Mr Hopkins estimated it could take weeks before roads were back to normal.
Yesterday, the council still had 35 of its roads closed and warnings for motorists driving in the Kakanui and Waiareka Valleys and on the Waitaki Plains.
Consumers on water schemes which are still shut down can get drinking water from two tankers at the Papakaio Hall and Herbert Garage.
While there had been little demand so far, Mr Hopkins expected that to increase over the next two days.
Water schemes had suffered little damage during the flooding - pumps were switched off quickly to avoid sucking in silt or shingle.
The only exception was the Herbert-Waianakarua scheme, which could not be assessed until flood water dropped.
"Boil water" notices were also in place for some schemes, and could remain for one to two weeks until regular testing cleared them of any contamination.
It was difficult to say when all roads would be back to normal, but Mr Hopkins estimated it would be "several weeks".
While the Waimate district received similar rain and experienced major flooding, its council roading assets manager, Rob Douglas, expected the cost of repairs would be about $100,000.
The big question mark is Bradshaw's Bridge over the Waihao River on Fletchers Rd.
There was still a major flow under the bridge, and debris, which had prevented it from being inspected to assess whether there was any damage.
Insurance companies have been dealing with hundreds of claims - mostly minor - from the flooding.
Insurance Council of New Zealand chief executive Chris Ryan said claims had been "relatively modest" from those in South Canterbury and North Otago, amounting to a few million dollars.
