Work is now underway on the installation of a new 4.3km raw watermain between Bells Pond and the existing Ferry Road bore site, marking a significant step toward securing a safer and more resilient water source for the Lower Waihao Rural Water Scheme.
The project follows ongoing challenges with periodic elevated nitrate levels detected at the existing community bore, which at times have exceeded the maximum allowable value. By contrast, regular monitoring of the new water source has confirmed consistently low nitrate levels, well below 1mg/L and fully compliant with drinking water standards.
The new source water is supplied via a bypass of the Morven Glenavy Ikawai (MGI) Irrigation Scheme. Council acknowledges the strong support from MGI in establishing a long‑term partnership to ensure both quality and quantity of raw water for treatment. Te Rūnanga o Waihao has also provided valuable support throughout the process to ensure the best possible outcome for the local community.
Local contractor Leathwick Contracting Ltd has been awarded the pipeline installation contract, working from designs prepared by Davis Ogilvie (Aoraki) Ltd. Installation is progressing well despite challenging ground conditions. The pipeline is designed as a gravity‑fed system, removing the need for pumps, an approach that keeps the project financially viable and avoids the complexities of providing power in the remote area.
High groundwater levels are currently requiring substantial pumping of the pipe trench, a process expected to continue through the early stages of construction. Fibre optic cable will also be laid within the trench to support future remote monitoring and operational control of the new intake.
Construction of the new water intake structure is progressing in parallel, delivered by local company Kirk Irrigation under the recently granted resource consent from Environment Canterbury.
Both the pipeline installation and intake construction are anticipated to take approximately three months to complete, subject to weather conditions.
The final stage of the overall project will see a major upgrade to the existing water treatment plant. Developed by FILTEC Water, the upgrade will ensure the scheme meets all current drinking water regulatory requirements and maintains a high level of safety and compliance. This work is expected to take around one year to complete.
Council will continue to provide updates as the project progresses and remains committed to ensuring a reliable, safe and compliant drinking water supply for the Lower Waihao community.
You can find information about the Lower Waihao Rural Water Scheme here.
