Council installs emergency water tanks to support community resilience

Kāpiti Coast District Council has invested in community emergency water tanks with the first seven being installed in five locations across the district during September and October.

Council Emergency Management Manager Roddy Hickling says storing water at home is the single most important step people can take to be better prepared for an earthquake, flood, or disruption to the district’s water network.

“Everyone should aim to have at least 140 litres of emergency water stored per person — enough for seven days of drinking, cooking, hygiene, pet care, and basic first aid,” says Mr Hickling.

“These new community water tanks are to help in a major emergency when official drinking water stations could take a week to set up. By installing 25,000 litre tanks at locations across our district, people will have access to water earlier than this.”

Hon. Mark Mitchell, Minister of Emergency Management and Recovery and MP for Ōtaki Tim Costley at the two new Mazengarb Reserve community emergency water tanks.

Council invested $175,000 through the Long-term Plan 2024–34 to install seven seismically resilient 25,000-litre emergency water tanks, each monitored and equipped with distribution manifolds for safe, efficient community use.

When selecting sites, Council considered tsunami and flood zones, earthquake risks to foundations, and whether a location could safely house a tank.

The first seven tanks have been installed at the following locations, with discussions underway for future sites, including in Ōtaki, Te Horo and Reikorangi:

• One tank at Paekākāriki School
• One tank at Raumati South School
• Two tanks at Mazengarb Reserve, Paraparaumu
• One tank at Waikanae Memorial Hall
• Two tanks at Waikanae Park

Mr Hickling says some of these sites are Community Emergency Hubs which are run by the community for the community. 

“Community Emergency Hubs provide a place where people can come and support each other in a major emergency. Each hub has a guide to help coordinate the sharing of information, skills, and resources. Installing tanks at these hubs means communities can establish their own water collection points and be more self-sufficient.”

The newly installed water tanks meet drinking water quality standards, with the water refreshed and treated every two years. However, people will still be encouraged to boil or treat the water before using it.

“People also need to think about how they’ll collect and store water safely during an emergency — having clean containers ready is essential,” says Mr Hickling.

There are simple ways to store water:

• Use recycled clean plastic bottles (not milk bottles) or ice cream containers.
• Purchase larger containers from hardware stores.
• Buy a 200-litre emergency rainwater tank from Council at a discounted rate.

“We all have a part to play in ensuring our community is as prepared as possible. These tanks are a critical resource, but personal water storage remains the first line of defence.”