Western Waipā water supply under pressure following February storm

Waipā District Council is managing ongoing water supply constraints in the western part of the district following significant storm damage to key infrastructure earlier this year.

The February severe weather event caused extensive damage to Te Tahi water treatment plant near Pirongia, which previously supplied more than half of the drinking water to Pirongia, Te Awamutu and Kihikihi.

The plant is currently offline, and water is being supplied from other sources. While this has ensured continuity of service, it has reduced the overall capacity of the network.

Chief executive Steph O’Sullivan said current supply sits at around nine megalitres per day, compared to peak summer demand of approximately 13 megalitres per day.

“This is a significant and unusual situation for our district,” she said.

“This is the first time we’ve had a water treatment plant taken offline due to a weather event. While the wider supply is stable and being carefully managed, it is likely to come under increasing pressure.”

Council staff are actively working to understand demand, model future scenarios, and assess risks, including the impacts of growth and development.

“We are taking a cautious and responsible approach to managing supply while we work through solutions, with our partners at Waikato Waters Ltd.”

Waikato Waters, a new Council‑Owned Organisation established through the Government’s Local Water Done Well reform, will take over management of Waipā’s water and wastewater services from July 1.

Growth and development will continue as a core council function. In the western part of the district, growth and development will continue but will be carefully managed.

“Additional demand from new development needs to be balanced against available supply. Resource consents will continue to be processed but at this stage will include conditions that affect the timing of water connections.”

Council is also working closely with its insurer to understand recovery options for the damaged infrastructure and engaging with central government agencies to ensure awareness of the situation.

Mayor Mike Pettit acknowledged the situation would be concerning for the community.

 “We, as Council, are here to ensure we are making prudent, well-informed decisions that protect essential services while planning responsibly for the future, and that is what we are doing,” he said.

Looking ahead, water conservation will play an important role in maintaining supply, particularly over the summer months, until capacity is restored.

Long-term decisions about water infrastructure will be made by Waikato Waters Limited when it assumes responsibility for water supply services from July 1.

More detailed information is available at letstalk.waipadc.govt.nz/water-supply-constraints