A water supply shutdown will be undertaken on 4 May 2017, from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm, for Rangitāiki Plains Water Supply Scheme areas east of the Rangitāiki River. This shutdown is to facilitate work on the Otumahi (Paul Road) Water Supply project.

Very low pressure or no water supply can be expected on East Bank Road, in the Hydro Road area near Edgecumbe, and in the White Pine Bush area. Lower than usual pressure will be experienced in the Putiki, Thornton and Whakatāne Airport areas, and most of the Awakeri area north of Maunder Road (including the Te Rahu area). Meanwhile, a complete shutdown will be seen along SH2/Awakeri Road from Rangitāiki Bridge up to Reids Canal Bridge. Areas near Te Teko will not be affected.

The timing of shutdowns has been planned to minimise disruption to users and follows consultation between the Whakatāne District Council and the farming community.

The Paul Road Water Supply project will see Edgecumbe and Te Teko consumers, and those between these townships, supplied by the new Otumahi (Paul Road) and the upgraded Tahuna Road sources. Once completed, these areas will be isolated from the existing Braemar/Johnson Road water sources. It is expected the project will be completed by the end of June.