Notifications of any disruptions to water races

Current Disruptions and Outages

Disruptions will affect all races downstream due to natural factors at the intakes. Flows in the race will be intermittent until further notice. If you have any questions about the disruptions below, please contact the Surface Water Team.

Please note that we try to give sufficient notice about planned Water Race Disruptions. This may mean that there could be an older reference to a Disruption, and details about it may be found further down this page.

Water Race Disruptions

Impact: District Wide
Date(s): 09/07/2026 – 20/07/2026

Details: Heavy rainfall across the district has caused rivers to rise, resulting in damage to Water Race intake structures. This has affected all Water Race networks, causing temporary low or no flows across the district.

Schemes affected are:

Glentunnel
Paparua
Malvern
Upper Ellesmere
Lower Ellesmere

Note: There may be some delay in flows returning to normal once the intake structures have been repaired and restored. We appreciate your patience while this work is completed.

Paparua Water Race Scheme

23/06/2026

Impact: Paparua Scheme
Estimated Dates: 23/06/2026 – 30/06/2026

Details:
The Paparua Water Race Scheme is currently experiencing intermittent or low/no flows due to recent floodwaters rising and receding in the river. Weather events on the West Coast and upland catchments feeding the Waimakariri River often affect the scheme intake. Maintenance works will be underway at the river intake to restore flows, including clearing channels that have been washed over. These works remain subject to ongoing weather conditions.
Note: There may be a delay in flows returning to normal once the intake is restored. Please refrain from filling private and irrigation ponds from a water race within the scheme during this period.

Type: Water Race Disruptions
Impact: Upper Ellesmere Scheme
Date: Until further notice
Issued: 11/06/2026

Details:
The Upper Ellesmere Water Race Scheme is currently experiencing low to no flows due to multiple environmental factors. This issue is affecting many water race users across the scheme.

Maintenance works will be underway at the river intake and pond to restore flows. These works include clearing intake channels that have been washed over and are dependent on river levels, which are currently receding and silt removal from storage pond. Progress is also subject to contractor availability and further weather conditions.

Important Note:
Please be aware that there may be delays before flows return to normal once the intake has been fully restored.

Lower Ellesmere Water Race Network
09/06/2026
Type: Water Race Disruption
Impact: Lower Ellesmere Scheme
Date(s): 09/06/2026 – 13/06/2026
Details: Due to a blockage in a culvert, flow within the Lower Ellesmere Water Race network will be reduced to low/no flow.

Paparua Water Race Scheme

4/06/2026

Impact: Paparua Scheme
Estimated Dates: 04/06/2026 – 12/06/2026

Details:
The Paparua Water Race Scheme is currently experiencing intermittent or low/no flows due to recent floodwaters rising and receding in the river. Weather events on the West Coast and upland catchments feeding the Waimakariri River often affect the scheme intake. Maintenance works will be underway at the river intake to restore flows, including clearing channels that have been washed over. These works remain subject to ongoing weather conditions.
Note: There may be a delay in flows returning to normal once the intake is restored. Please refrain from filling private and irrigation ponds from a water race within the scheme during this period.
Upper Ellesmere Water Race Network
26/05/2026
Dates: 1st July - 12th July
Location: Upper Ellesmere Water Race Network
Details: Water Race Maintenance
Note: Please be advised that the Upper Ellesmere water race scheme will have temporary low flows/no flows and intermittent flows during pond maintenance and cleaning.
Work required: Pond maintenance and silt removal.
During this period, water supply will be fluctuating.
We recommend making necessary arrangements in advance.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation while essential maintenance work is carried out.
For any queries, please contact the Surface Water Team.
Malvern Water Race Network
26/05/2026
Type: Water Race Disruption
Impact: Malvern Scheme (Bulls Syphon: Waimakariri Intake)
Date(s): 22/06/2026 – 10/07/2026
Details: Works will be taking place on the Waimakariri scheme between the 22nd of June and 10th of July.
During this period, the Malvern Water Race Scheme supplied from the Waimakariri Intake is expected to experience low flows to end users.
Malvern Water Race network
Updated: 22/06/2026
Dates: 15th June - 18th July
Location: Kimberly road/Tramway Road intersection
Details: Work will be carried out to create a new Water Race Tip-out location.
Works will be carried out near the Kimberly road/Tramway Road intersection on the water race.
During this period, water race flows will periodically need to be reduced to complete the works. This may result in lower flows to downstream users.

From April 28- 8th of May Downer will be making upgrades to a stormwater system located adjacent to a water race on State Highway 1 near Kirk/Trents Road in Templeton.

Because the upgrade is taking place close to the water race, a temporary diversion of the race will be required. As a result, users downstream of State Highway 1 through Prebbleton may experience low flows or fluctuations in water levels during the period between April 28- 5th of May.

We acknowledge the short notice and appreciate the community’s understanding while this essential work is carried out. For more information about this work please contact Laura McChensey from Downer at canterburyenquiries@downer.co.nz.

Paparua Water Race Scheme

Monday 11 May 2026

Impact: Paparua Scheme
Estimated Dates: 09/05/2026 – 18/05/2026
Details:
The Paparua Water Race Scheme is currently experiencing intermittent or low/no flows due to recent floodwaters rising and receding in the river. Weather events on the West Coast and upland catchments feeding the Waimakariri River often affect the scheme intake. Maintenance works are underway at the river intake to restore flows, including clearing channels that have been washed over. These works remain subject to ongoing weather conditions.
Note: There may be a delay in flows returning to normal once the intake is restored. Please refrain from filling private and irrigation ponds from a water race within the scheme during this period.

Paparua Water Race Scheme

Monday 1st May 2026

Impact: Maddisons Road  
Estimated duration: Two weeks

Details:

Culvert renewal and upsizing works will be carried out on Maddisons Road between 1 and 12 June.

During the works period, water race users may experience flow fluctuations and reduced water levels. Low flows may occur at times, particularly for users towards the end of the water race network.

Malvern Water Race Scheme

Saturday 18 May 2026

Impact: Bangor Road
Estimated duration: One week

Details:

Culvert renewal and upsizing works will be carried out on Bangor Road between 15th of June and 19th of June.

During the works period, water race users may experience flow fluctuations and reduced water levels. Low flows may occur at times, particularly for users towards the end of the water race network.

Paparua Water Race Scheme

Monday 4th May 2026

Impact: Bells Divide
Estimated duration: Four weeks

Details:

Upgrade works will be carried out on the Bells Divide water race area as part of ongoing improvements to the Paparua Scheme.

During the works period, water race users may experience flow fluctuations and reduced water levels. Low flows may occur at times, particularly for users towards the end of the water race network.

Malvern Water Race Network

Glentunnel Scheme

Monday 13 April 2026

Impact: Glentunnel intake
Estimated duration: One week

Details:

Bank stabilisation works will be carried out at Glentunnel as part of a Malvern Water Race upgrade to improve the network.

During the works period, water race users may experience flow fluctuations and reduced water levels. Low flows may occur at times, particularly for users towards the end of the water race network.

Water Race Disruption Notice

Updated: Monday 11 May 2026

Type: Water Race Disruption
Impact: Upper Ellesmere Scheme
Date: Until further notice
Issued: 09 March 2026

Details:
The Upper Ellesmere Water Race Scheme is currently experiencing low to no flows due to river levels dropping at the river intake. Due to consent requirements, the pond water race inlet gate has had to shut and redirect water towards the bypass to meet the operational requirements of the fish screens. This issue is affecting many water race users across the scheme.

The contractor has been informed, and maintenance works will be underway at the river intake to restore flows. These works include clearing intake channels that have been washed over and are dependent on river levels, which are currently receding. Progress is subject to contractor availability and weather conditions.

Important Note:
Irrigators have been notified to reduce water usage until further notice. Restoring the main races to supply livestock water is our current priority. Please be aware that there may be delays before flows return to normal once the intake has been fully restored.

Type: Water Race Disruptions
Impact: Upper Ellesmere Scheme
Date: Until further notice
Issued: 25 February 2026

Details:
The Upper Ellesmere Water Race Scheme is currently experiencing low to no flows due to damage at the river intake. This issue is affecting many water race users across the scheme.

Maintenance works are underway at the river intake and pond to restore flows. These works include clearing intake channels that have been washed over and are dependent on river levels, which are currently receding. Progress is also subject to contractor availability and further weather conditions.

Important Note:
Irrigators have been notified to reduce water usage until further notice. Restoring the main race to supply livestock water is our current priority. Please be aware that there may be delays before flows return to normal once the intake has been fully restored.

Friday 13 February 2026

Type: Water Race Disruptions
Impact: District wide
Date(s): 13/02/2026 – 20/02/2026

Details: We are currently preparing for heavy rainfall across the district. This will affect all Water Race networks resulting in temporary low/no flows in the entire district.

Schemes affected are:
Glentunnel
Paparua
Malvern
Upper Ellesmere
Lower Ellesmere

Note: There may be some delay in flows returning to normal once the intakes are restored.

Monday 09 February 2026

Type: Water Race Disruptions
Impact: Upper Ellesmere Scheme
Date(s): Until further notice

Details: The Upper Ellesmere Water Race Scheme is currently experiencing low to no flows due to damage at the river intake. This is affecting many water race users of the scheme. Maintenance works are underway at the river intake to restore flows. These works involve clearing intake channels that have been washed over and are dependent on river levels which are currently receding. Works are also subject to contractor availability and further weather conditions.

Note: There may be some delay in flows returning to normal once the intake has been restored.

Wednesday 21 January 2026

Type: Water Race Disruptions
Impact: District wide
Date(s): 21/01/2026 – 28/01/2026

Details: We are currently preparing for heavy rainfall across the district. This will affect all Water Race networks resulting in temporary low/no flows in the entire district.

Schemes affected are:
Glentunnel
Paparua
Malvern
Upper Ellesmere
Lower Ellesmere

Note: There may be some delay in flows returning to normal once the intakes are restored.

Friday 16 January 2026

Type: Water Race Disruptions
Impact: Upper Ellesmere Scheme
Date(s): 15/01/2026 – 23/01/2026

Details: The Upper Ellesmere Water Race Scheme is currently experiencing low/no flows and could affect end users of this Scheme. Maintenance works are underway at the river intake to restore flow. These works involve clearing intake channels that have been washed over and are expected to take approximately 1 week, subject to further weather conditions.

Note: There may be some delay in flows returning to normal once the intake is restored.

Monday 12 January 2026

Duration: 12 January 2026 – 19 January 2026
Type: Water Race Disruption
Affected Scheme: Malvern

Details:
The Malvern Water Race Scheme will experience low or no flows during the above period due to rising Waimakariri River levels blocking the Water Race intake channel.

Maintenance works are currently underway at the river intake to restore flow. These works involve clearing intake channels that have been washed over and are expected to take approximately one week, subject to weather conditions.

Tuesday 9 December 2025

Type: Water Race Disruption
Impact: Paparua Scheme
Date(s): 09/12/2025 – 11/12/2025

Details:  Due to maintenance works, water race flows will be reduced for a 24-hour period for the Paparua Scheme.  Please refer to the above map for specific locations. This may impact irrigation activities.  We appreciate your understanding and patience during this time.

Langdale Road: Reduced flow will begin from Tuesday 9th December at 5:00pm and continue for at least 24 hours. 
Buchanans Road: Reduced flow will occur from Wednesday 10th to Thursday 11th December 2025.

Friday 5 December 2025 (updated Monday 15 December 2025)

Type: Water Race Disruptions
Impact: Upper Ellesmere Scheme
Date(s): 05/12/2025 – 22/12/2025

Details: The Upper Ellesmere Water Race Scheme is currently experiencing low flows and could affect end users of this Scheme. Maintenance works are underway at the river intake to restore flow. These works involve clearing intake channels that have been washed over and are expected to take approximately 1 week, subject to further weather conditions.
Note: There may be some delay in flows returning to normal once the intake is restored.

Friday 28 November 2025

Type: Water Race Disruptions
Impact: Upper Ellesmere Scheme
Date(s): 28/11/2025 – 5/12/2025

Details: The Upper Ellesmere Water Race Scheme is currently experiencing intermittent or low/no flows. Maintenance works are underway at the river intake to restore flow. These works involve clearing intake channels that have been washed over and are expected to take approximately 1 week, subject to further weather conditions.
Note: There may be some delay in flows returning to normal once the intake is restored. Please refrain from filling private and irrigation ponds from a Water Race within the scheme during this period.

Friday 7 November 2025

Type: Water Race Disruptions
Impact: Upper Ellesmere
Date(s): 7/11/25 - 14/11/25
Details:  The Upper Ellesmere Water Race Scheme is currently experiencing intermittent or low/no flows due to fluctuating river levels. Maintenance works are underway at the river intake to restore flows. These works involve clearing intake channels that have been washed over and are expected to take several days to clear, subject to further weather conditions.
Note: There may be some delay in flows returning to normal once the intake is restored. Please refrain from filling private and irrigation ponds from a Water Race within the scheme during this period. If there are low flows, please significantly reduce any current takes.

Friday 31 October 2025

Type: Water Race Disruptions
Impact: Upper Ellesmere Scheme [PDF, 5512 KB]
Date(s):  30/10/2025 – 7/11/2025
Details:  The Upper Ellesmere Water Race Scheme is currently experiencing intermittent or low/no flows due to recent floodwaters rising and receding in the river. Weather events on the West Coast and upland catchments feeding the Selwyn District rivers often affect the scheme’s intake channels, with impacts sometimes delayed until floodwaters reach the intakes. Maintenance works are underway at the river intake to restore flows. These works involve clearing intake channels that have been washed over and are expected to take several days to clear, subject to further weather conditions.
Note: There may be some delay in flows returning to normal once the intake is restored. Please refrain from filling private and irrigation ponds from a Water Race within the scheme during this period. If there are low flows, please significantly reduce any current takes.

Thursday 23 October 2025

Type: Water Race Disruption
Impact: Paparua Scheme
Date(s): 23/10/2025 – 30/10/2025
Details: The Paparua Water Race Scheme is currently experiencing intermittent or low/no flows due to recent floodwaters rising and receding in the river.
Weather events on the West Coast and upland catchments feeding the Selwyn rivers often affect the scheme’s intake channels, with impacts sometimes delayed until floodwaters reach the intakes. Maintenance works are underway at the river intake to restore flows. These works involve clearing intake channels that have been washed over and are expected to take approximately three days, subject to further weather conditions.
Note: There may be some delay in flows returning to normal once the intake is restored. Please refrain from filling private and irrigation ponds from a Water Race within the scheme during this period

Tuesday 14 October 2025

Paparua Irrigation Scheme is experiencing low to no flow, due to river flows.

Updated Thursday 25 September 2025

Duration: 08/09/2025 - 6/10/2025
Type: Water Race Disruption
Affected Scheme: Malvern
Map: Malvern Scheme - affected areas shown by light grey colouring.
Details:  The Malvern Water Race Scheme will experience low/no flows during the above period due to emergency maintenance works at the Waimakariri River intake structure.

This work has been extended by a week due to weather events which caused the Waimakariri River levels to rise and go into flood, preventing crews from being able to access the site until the river levels drop.

The work will involve clearing the intake channels that have washed over during the May 25 flood event and whilst this work is being undertaken, we will take the opportunity to pre-install some work for a new gate structure. This work is essential for restoring long-term flows to the scheme and will prevent us from having to disrupt the scheme again in the summer.

Note: There may be some delay in flows returning to normal once the intake is restored. Please refrain from filling private irrigation ponds from a water race within this scheme during this period.

Wednesday 1 October 2025

Duration: 1/10/2025 - 4/10/2025
Type: Water Race Disruption
Affected Scheme: Paparua 
Map: Paparua Intake
Details: The Paparua Water Race Scheme is currently experiencing intermittent or low/no flows due to recent floodwaters rising and receding in the river. Weather events on the West Coast and upland catchments feeding the Selwyn rivers often affect the scheme’s intake channels, with impacts sometimes delayed until floodwaters reach the intakes. Maintenance works are underway at the river intake to restore flows. These works involve clearing intake channels that have been washed over and are expected to take approximately three days, subject to further weather conditions.

Monday 22 September 2025

Duration: 21/9/2025 - 28/9/2025
Type: Water Race Disruption
Affected Scheme: Paparua
Map: Paparua Scheme with Roads
Details: The Paparua Water Race Scheme is currently experiencing intermittent or low/no flows due to recent floodwaters rising and receding in the river. Weather events on the West Coast and upland catchments feeding the Selwyn rivers often affect the scheme’s intake channels, with impacts sometimes delayed until floodwaters reach the intakes. Maintenance works are underway at the river intake to restore flows. These works involve clearing intake channels that have been washed over and are expected to take approximately three days, subject to further weather conditions.
Note: There may be some delay in flows returning to normal once the intake is restored. Please refrain from filling private and irrigation ponds from a Water Race within the scheme during this period.

Duration: 21/9/2025 - 28/9/2025
Type: Water Race Disruption
Affected Scheme: Upper Ellesmere Scheme
Map: Upper Ellesmere with Roads
Details: The Upper Ellesmere Water Race Scheme is currently experiencing intermittent or low/no flows due to recent floodwaters rising and receding in the river. Weather events on the West Coast and upland catchments feeding the Selwyn rivers often affect the scheme’s intake channels, with impacts sometimes delayed until floodwaters reach the intakes. Maintenance works are underway at the river intake to restore flows. These works involve clearing intake channels that have been washed over and are expected to take approximately three days, subject to further weather conditions.
Note: There may be some delay in flows returning to normal once the intake is restored. Please refrain from filling private and irrigation ponds from a Water Race within the scheme during this period.

Tuesday 9 September 2025

Duration: 8/9/2025 - 11/9/2025
Type: Water Race Disruption
Affected Scheme: Paparua
Map: Paparua Scheme Disruption Map
Details: The Paparua Water Race Scheme will experience low/no flows during this period due to receding flood waters in the river from the recent rain event. Maintenance works are currently underway at the river intake to restore flows. The work will involve clearing the intake channels that have washed over. This work is expected to take approximately three days.
Note: There may be some delay in flows returning to normal once the intake is restored. Please refrain from filling private and irrigation ponds from a Water Race within this scheme during this period.

Friday 22 August 2025

Duration: 22/08/2025 - 29/08/2025
Type: Water Race low flows
Affected Scheme: Malvern
Map: Malvern Ward
Details: There will be reduced flows within the lower Malvern water race scheme due to low river levels at the Kowai intake during the above period.

Friday 11 July 2025

Duration: 14/07/2025 - 15/07/2025
Type: Water Race Outage
Affected Scheme: Paparua
Map:  Hamptons Road, Prebbleton
Details: There will be little to no flow in a section of water race in Prebbleton along Hamptons Road (affected areas highlighted in green on the map linked above), between Monday 14th July to Tuesday 15th July. This is to allow for the installation of a new water race culverts and services within the water race along Hamptons Road.

Monday 30 June 2025

Duration: 30/06/2025 – 4/06/2025
Type: Water Race Disruption
Affected Scheme: Paparua
Map:  Whole scheme
Details: The Paparua water race scheme will experience low/no flows during this date period due an outage at the intake. Works are currently in progress to restore flows from the river intake and there will be some delay as flows return to normal.

Duration: 30/06/2025 – 7/06/2025
Type: Water Race Disruption
Affected Scheme: Upper Ellesmere
Map:   Whole scheme
Details: The Upper Ellesmere water race scheme will experience low/no flows during this date period due an outage at the intake. Works are currently in progress to restore flows from the river intake and there will be some delay as flows return to normal.

Monday 23 June 2025

Duration:  24/06/2025 - 27/06/2025
Type: Water Race Outage
Affected Scheme: Paparoa
Map: Railway Road, Rolleston
Details: There will be little-to-no flow in a section of the Paparua Water Race from Railway Road (highlighted in green on the map linked above), during this date period. This is to allow for the renewal of a road culvert on Two Chain Road.

Monday 16 June 2025

Duration:  16/6/2025 - 20/6/2025
Type: Water Race Outage
Affected Scheme:  Paparua Water Race
Map Location: Newtons Road
Details: Works being done to the Newtons Road water race that may affect some local landowners. Works will begin this afternoon and water flow will start to flow again by the 20th June. The affected areas are highlighted in the attached map.

Duration: 16/6/2025 - 19/6/2025
Type: Water Race Outage
Affected Scheme: Lower Malvern Scheme
Map Location: Charring Cross
Details: Works are being done at Charring Cross that will affect the Malvern Scheme this week. Water will start to flow again from the 19th of June but may take a further 1 - 2 days to reach the lower parts of the Scheme.

Wednesday 4 June 2025

Duration: 4/6/2025 - 14/6/2025
Type: Water Race Outage
Affected Scheme: Upper Ellesmere Water Race Scheme
Map Location: N/A
Details: The Upper Ellesmere water race is experiencing an outage due to conditions at the river intake/supply. We have machinery works underway; this may cause issues to flow. With the current weather forecast, it could take up to a week to restore the intake.

Tuesday 3 June 2025

Duration: 04/06/2025 – 05/06/2025
Type: Water Race Outage
Affected Scheme: Paparoa
Map Location:  Hamptons Road, Prebbleton
Details:  There will be little to no flow in a section of water race in Prebbleton along Hamptons Road, and the affected areas highlighted in the map (linked above), between Wednesday 4th June to Thursday 6th June. This is to allow for the installation of a new water race culverts along Hamptons Road.

Tuesday 20 May 2025

Duration: 20/05/2025 – 22/05/2025
Type: Water Race Outage
Affected Scheme: Malvern
Map Location:  Greendale Road, Darfield (attached)
Details:  There will be little to no flow in a section of water race in Darfield, from Greendale Road to Wards Road, between Tuesday 20th May to Thursday 22nd May. This is to allow for the installation of a new water race culvert and construction of a new footpath which will connect pedestrians to the Darfield Pool along Greendale Road.

Wednesday 30 April 2025

All water race intakes have either been restricted or closed during the current weather event, to help with the excess overland flows that will enter the water race networks across the district.

Friday 11 April 2025

Duration: 11/04/2025 – 15/04/2025
Type: Water Race Outage
Affected Scheme: Upper Ellesmere
Map Location:  N/A
Details:  There will be little to no flow in the water race for the Upper Ellesmere scheme during the above period.

Duration: 14/04/2025 – 18/04/2025
Type: Water Race Outage
Affected Scheme: Paparua
Map Location:  Conservators Road and Savils Road (attached)
Details:  There will be little to no flow along the water race along Conservators Road and Savills Road (effected areas highlighted on the map below) from the 14th April to 18th April. This is to allow for the installation of a new water race culvert crossing to a property along Savills Road.

Monday 3 March 2025

Date: 3/3/2025 - 11/3/2025
Type: Water Race Disruption
Affected Scheme: All water race schemes
Map Locations: N/A
Details: Due to the current weather, and very low river flows, all water race schemes are experiencing low/no flow, particularly in the lower ends and outer areas of the water race network. Normal flows may return with the pending rain forecasted for next week.

Friday 14 February 2025

Date: 17/2/2025 - 21/2/2025
Type: Water Race Outage
Affected Scheme: Paparua
Map Locations: Templeton, Prebbleton, Rolleston, Burnham
Details: There will be little to no flow along sections of the water race network near the above areas (and highlighted in the attached map) for a 24-hour period, and at various stages from 17 - 21 February.

Wednesday 22 January 2025

Date: 22/1/2025 - 23/1/2025
Type: Water Race Outage
Affected Scheme: Malvern
Map: Affected area
Description: There will be little to no flow along the water race near Clintons Road during this period (as shown by the highlighted area on the above map).

Tuesday 3 December

Date: 3rd - 9th December 2024
Type: Water Race Outage
Affected Scheme: Paparua
Map:  Affected areas
Description: We are receiving low flows at the intake from the Waimakariri River, which is restricting the amount of water that can get to the bottom reaches of the Paparua Scheme. This is affecting the water races in Rolleston (i.e. downstream from Railway Road and Hoskyns Road). The attached map provides an indication of the affected areas (in green). There will be low / no flow in these area until intake flows increase.

Wednesday 20 November

Date: 21/11/2024 - 23/11/2024
Type: Water Race Disruption
Affected Scheme: West Rolleston
Map: West Rolleston Map
Description: Due to temporary works, there will be low/no flow in the water race around during this timeframe. Affected areas are shown in the attached map.