Major Investment Strengthens South Taranaki Water Supplies

Council is continuing to invest in the future of its drinking water infrastructure, with major upgrades planned for the Ōpunakē and Waverley water treatment plants as part of a wider programme to improve the resilience, reliability and quality of water supplies across the district.

Construction on both projects is expected to begin in mid-November, weather permitting, with works anticipated to be completed by the end of October 2027.

In Ōpunakē, Council will invest a projected $6.38 million in a new 1,800m³ treated water reservoir and Biological Activated Carbon (BAC) treatment technology. The upgrade will improve drinking water quality, increase storage capacity and strengthen security of supply for the community.

In Waverley, an approximately $2.70 million upgrade will deliver a new 1,000m³ treated water reservoir, upgraded pumps, a standby generator and an extension to the treatment plant building. Together, these improvements will help maintain water services during power outages and emergency events while improving the resilience of the town's water network.

Mayor Phil Nixon says the projects are about ensuring communities continue to receive safe and reliable drinking water for years to come.

"The upgrades in Ōpunakē and Waverley will strengthen the resilience of local water supplies, improve service reliability and help ensure these communities are well supported for the future."

The projects form part of Council's wider investment in drinking water infrastructure across South Taranaki. Alongside the $5.92 million Pātea Water Treatment Plant upgrade, which is currently under construction and approximately 75 percent complete, Council is investing almost $15 million in projects that will strengthen drinking water supplies and help meet evolving water quality standards across the district.