The new Te Awamutu water supply is well on track for next summer with the new pipeline now fully laid between the Waikato River and Te Awamutu.
Waipā District Council began the new water supply upgrade programme in October 2019. The programme involves installing a 5km untreated water pipeline between the Waikato River and Parallel water treatment plant, a 16km treated water pipeline between the treatment plant and Taylors Hill Reservoir in Te Awamutu, and new treatment facility.
Council’s water services manager Martin Mould said the completion of the pipe installation means the water supply is one step closer.
“The 5km pipe was completed earlier this year and the 16km pipe is now fully in the ground. The next pivotal stage in the programme is preparing the 16km pipe for use, as well as completing the new water treatment plant which is currently ahead of schedule.”
“We’re well on track to finish in mid-2021, three months ahead of our initial October 2021 completion date.”
Mould reminded residents to be mindful of water use this summer while the new supply is still in progress.
“The hot, humid temperatures have already arrived and will only get more intense as we enter the peak summer period. We are focused on maintaining our existing town supply from the Mangauika Stream so the Te Tahi Dam levels remain healthy as long as possible.”
“Every drop counts so we’re asking our residents once again to be conservative with water every summer and adhere to the water levels when they are in place.
“While new supply will be more resilient, we need to look at our attitude towards water and start to truly appreciate it for the precious source of life it is.”
Te Awamutu and Pirongia’s current water supply comes from the Mangauika Stream, on Mt Pirongia, with the catchment which feeds the stream, located mainly within Otorohanga district.
Regular progress updates about the new water supply programme are available on the council’s website here.
