$5.92 million Pātea Water Treatment Plant Upgrade Underway
Work is now underway on a major upgrade of the Pātea Water Treatment Plant, following the award of a $5.92 million construction contract to improve the town’s drinking water quality and treatment capacity.
Preconstruction activities have begun on site, with contractors currently locating underground services. Following Easter, work will move into bulk excavation for the main building, before foundations, drainage and pipe installation begin. The project remains on track for completion by the end of 2026.
The site was formally blessed on Friday 27 March, marking an important milestone for the project and the Pātea community.
The upgrade is required to ensure the treatment plant meets the current Drinking Water Standards and Water Quality Assurance Rules set by Taumata Arowai – New Zealand’s Water Services Authority. After a successful pilot trial earlier this year, Council opted for a modern biological filtration system because it reduces naturally occurring ammonia in the groundwater source and helps deliver consistently high-quality drinking water.
The project includes the installation of several new treatment components, including biologically activated carbon filters, copper and carbon dioxide dosing systems, ultraviolet (UV) disinfection, chlorine gas disinfection and storage, and improved filter cleaning and monitoring systems. Together, these upgrades will reduce ammonia in the source water, making it easier to maintain effective chlorine levels right across the water network and helping ensure the supply meets drinking water requirements. In December 2025 the Council approved a revised project budget of up to $5.92 million, including an additional $2.64 million, to allow the project to move into the construction phase without delay.
Mayor Phil Nixon says the upgrade is a critical investment in the future of Pātea.
“This project is about making sure our community continues to have access to safe, high-quality drinking water,” says Mayor Nixon.
“By investing now, we’re meeting today’s drinking water standards while building a more reliable and resilient water supply for the future.”
The Pātea Water Treatment Plant upgrade is a key part of Council’s ongoing programme to improve water infrastructure across the district and ensure compliance with national drinking water requirements.
