Where Does Our Water Come From?
Raumati, Paraparaumu and Waikanae Water Supply
The Waikanae water treatment plant was established in 1977 to supply water to Waikanae, Paraparaumu and Raumati. The plant primarily sources its water from the Waikanae river, but when the river levels are low supplementary water is provided from groundwater bores. This ensures the ecosystem of the river is protected. The plant processes the raw water from both the river and the bores to provide clean, safe water for distribution in the area. Council has resource consent to take a total of 23,000 cubic metres of water (from all Raumati, Paraparaumu and Waikanae water supply sources combined) per day. Waikanae River flow rates on GWRC website
Paekakariki Water Supply
The Paekakariki water plant taking water from Wainui Stream (Smith’s Creek) has been operating since 1922. A bore sunk in 2003 provides additional supply. The water is filtered and disinfected to ensure clean safe water is available for distribution to Paekakariki and the surrounding area. Council has resource consent to take a total of 2489 cubic metres of water (from all Paekakariki water supply sources combined) per day.
Hautere/Te Horo Water Supply
The Hautere/Te Horo community has a restricted water supply, from two shallow bores alongside the Otaki River. Subdivision has resulted in high demand and the supply becoming over subscribed. The water is supplied in "units", originally allocated on the basis of farm area. A unit is approximately 1000 litres of water delivered through a restrictor over a 24 hour period. Consumers install their own tank and pump to provide an 'on-demand' supply. Council has resource consent to take a total of 1382 cubic metres of water (from all Hautere/Te Horo water supply sources combined) per day.
Otaki Water Supply
The community at Otaki has two groundwater source sites near the Otaki River serving Otaki beach and town. The groundwater is disinfected and pH corrected to ensure clean safe water is available for distribution to Otaki and the surrounding area. Council has resource consent to take a total of 11,233 cubic metres of water (from all Otaki water supply sources combined) per day.
In addition to these Council-operated water supplies, there are many hundreds of private bores throughout the district.