An electrical fault caused by a collapsed (Lines Company) power pole is the cause of the water shortage in Piopio over the Queens Birthday weekend.

Water Services Manager Andreas Senger received a call from Councils After Hours call centre operator Grant, regarding the issue. It was out of WDC’s ability to control.

“After the electrical fault was rectified by the Lines Company, the water treatment plant did not come back on-line straight away. This is often the case when there is a power failure."

"Our staff worked quickly to get the plant back on-line and there is no longer any concern regarding the water supply," says Mr Senger.

Council’s After Hours call centre operator communicated this information to WDC’s Water Services Manager and other key WDC staff in a prompt manner.

A Waikato Times reporter was advised that WDC’s media contact would be available for official comment when the office opened for business on Tuesday 3 June. No request has been received from the Waikato Times to date.