Patearoa

The Patearoa water supply feeds a small urban area and multiple rural properties. The Patearoa treatment plant consists of chlorination. This provides treatment for bacteria, but not protozoa.

The source water for Patearoa is from the Sowburn River. This is a surface water source and is vulnerable to turbidity following rain. When this occurs, the plant is shut down, treated water is supplied from reservoirs, and a conserve water notice is put in place.

If the reservoir level drops to a point where untreated water is needed to refill it, then a boil water notice must be put in place until the source water clears.

Council is investigating options to provide a resilient and compliant water supply for Patearoa. There are turbidity issues with the existing source water which has required other sources to be investigated. A business case is being developed and Council will consider the options within the next four months.