Water Restrictions Introduced for Pātea

Update 18 March:

The pump is now fixed. Level 1 water restrictions have now been introduced across all of the South Taranaki District including Pātea, due to decreased rainfall and low river/stream levels.

Update 13 March 2026:

The new water pump has now been installed. Before we can bring it into service, we need to receive clear water‑quality lab results. These results are expected mid‑next week.

If the pump is cleared, it will be brought online immediately. If not, there may be a short additional delay of a few days while we work through any remaining requirements, in accordance with the Water Services Act.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation. Please continue to conserve water and limit non‑essential use in the meantime.

We’ll share another update as soon as results are confirmed.

Update 4 March 2026:

Kia ora everyone,

Thanks for your patience while we’ve been working through the water situation in Pātea. We’ve had to source a new pump from Australia, and it has now arrived. Our team is currently installing it, and if everything goes to plan, we expect the bore to be up and running by the end of next week.

We’ll share another update once the installation is fully completed. In the meantime, please continue to conserve water and limit all non‑essential use. We appreciate your support.

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Pātea is now under water restrictions and residents are being asked to urgently conserve water until further notice. The restrictions are being introduced due to an issue with one of the town's main bores and extremely high water demand.

Residents are asked to avoid all non-essential water use, and to fix any leaks or report any leaks in the public network to the Council by phoning (toll free) 0800 111 323.

The restrictions will allow the bore to be fixed and the town's water reservoir to recover.

Examples of non-essential water use to avoid:

• Car washing
• Hosing/watering gardens or lawns
• Baths (take short showers instead)
• Leaving house-hold taps running
• Water blasting

Thank you.