Practical solution keeps western Waipā development moving

Rainwater tanks will allow development to continue in Te Awamutu, Pirongia and Kihikihi after Te Tahi Water Treatment Plant was taken offline.

Storm damage to the pipes, weir and the reservoir at Te Tahi in February’s severe weather event reduced water supply capacity across the western part of the Waipā District.

While alternative supply options are being progressed, new water connections in the affected parts of the district are subject to a delay of up to three years, or until capacity is restored.

Rather than putting development on hold, Waipā District Council has worked with its planning and infrastructure teams to develop an interim solution.

Developers in the affected area will be able to install compliant on-site rainwater tanks for individual buildings as a temporary water supply, allowing consented developments to proceed without waiting for full reticulated supply to be restored.

Waipā waters transition programme lead Kevan Scott says the focus was on finding a workable pathway for the development sector.

"We know developers have projects underway, commitments to meet, and people waiting for new homes. We didn't want a temporary infrastructure issue to bring everything to a standstill, so we got to work on a practical solution that keeps things moving while we manage the constraint," he says.

"This is about being proactive and supporting our community through a challenging situation. The tank option means development can continue, and we have put the right safeguards in place to ensure those properties connect to the reticulated network when capacity is restored."

The costs will be covered by the developer.

From July 1, Waipā’s water and wastewater services transition to Waikato Waters Limited.

For more information, contact the planning team at westernwater@waipadc.govt.nz or 0800 924 723 or visit letstalk.waipadc.govt.nz/water-supply-constraints.