Water projects well underway
From pipes and mains to pumps and treatment plants, Council has been upgrading water infrastructure throughout the Waimate District to help ensure legislative compliance and improve services for residents.
On 8 September, the Audit and Risk Committee received a Major Projects report that identifies the status of water-related initiatives at varying stages of development.
The Hook-Waituna scheme will have a new water treatment plant, which includes a pipe main and a generator, while residents of the Cannington-Motukaika and Waihaorunga schemes will enjoy safer drinking water, thanks to the planned installation of end-point treatment (EPT) devices on their properties. The EPT devices will help strengthen Council's compliance with drinking water standards.
These EPT projects are set to be completed by 30 June 2027, as will an upgrade to the water treatment plant in Lower Waihao rural water scheme, which links from a new nitrate-free water source near Bells Pond. The upgrade builds on improvements in the area’s water infrastructure (new mains for Lower Waihao-Glenavy rural areas and town proper). Meanwhile, the water treatment process to achieve compliance for the Waikakahi scheme is currently under tender.
Council has also been addressing the needs of a growing urban population through the Te Kiteroa project. This initiative involves the diversion of some properties from the Hook-Waituna scheme onto Waimate township water. Design is also underway for provision of a dedicated rising main from High Street-Queen Street to the cemetery.
A booster pump station for Bakers Road, Court Road, Hunts Road and Fitzmaurice Road has also been designed, while the watermain extension for Hunts Road (including Wales Street, Centre Street and Short Street) will be completed in late October 2026. This year, Council finished similar extensions on Garland Road and Point Bush Road with the pump station being commissioned to provide firefighting flows in October 2026.
While the contract to replace the cover for the urban water reservoir has been delayed, wastewater pipes in the urban network received upgrades, particularly on Augustine Street and Gorge Road. Council also installed a new aerator to expedite the treatment of urban wastewater, remove odours and enhance treatment quality to align with resource consent conditions.
To help manage stormwater flooding, Council is looking to maintain overland flow pathways and is in the process of completing consent-related work for a drainage area along Park Road and soakage pits on Belt Street.
Council will provide updates as these and other projects progress, including the implementation of a water rates review and the Water Services Strategy for 2027/28.
For details on these projects, visit waimatedc.govt.nz/majorprojects
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