Helping keep Ōtaki’s drinking water safe and reliable

Water is one of our most essential services. Every day, our community depends on safe, clean drinking water for homes, schools, businesses, healthcare, firefighting and daily life. That’s why we’re continuing to invest in Ōtaki’s water network, to help ensure this vital resource is protected and available for current and future generations. 

We’re taking another step to support a safe and dependable water supply for Ōtaki, with a new bore being drilled at the Tasman Road Water Treatment Plant. 

This work is part of the wider mahi and investment underway across Ōtaki to improve drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services.   

Why this work is needed  

One of the bores that helps supply Ōtaki’s drinking water is getting older and is at risk of failure. Replacing it now is a proactive step, to help protect the town’s water supply as the two bores on Tasman Road provide around two-thirds of the town’s drinking water.  

What’s happening  

• A new bore will be drilled in the road reserve near the water treatment plant on Tasman Road.  
• The bore will be around 30 metres deep.  
• Once completed, it will become the main bore, with the other working bore becoming the backup.  
• Work is expected to begin in June 2026 and take around 12 to 14 weeks.  

What to expect (traffic and access)  

We acknowledge there’s already a lot of infrastructure work happening across Ōtaki, and we appreciate the community’s patience while this important upgrade is carried out.  

To help keep everyone safe while work is underway, there will be some temporary traffic changes around the site:  

• Tasman Road will remain open in both directions, with some changes around the work site.  
• Please expect reduced speeds, temporary lane changes and occasional delays.  
• Eastbound traffic will be moved onto a temporary surfaced berm past the work area.  
• Pedestrian access will remain available at all times.  

 Please take extra care when travelling through the area and allow a little extra time for your journey.  

 Other drinking water upgrades in Ōtaki 

Previously, much of the town relied directly on water treatment plants. If a bore failed, power was lost, or backup systems were affected, much of the community could have lost water supply quickly. Firefighting capacity was also limited. 

Upgrades include:  

• a new 5.5 million litre reservoir, completed in 2025   
• supply line upgrades along Waitohu Valley Road   
• a planned new 1 million litre reservoir   
• new fire main pipes installed in several parts of town   
• upgrades to the County Road pump station   
• installed a new water main along Anzac Road.   

Together, these improvements help make the network more reliable for supply to homes and businesses, strengthen emergency preparedness, improve firefighting capability and support growth and future demand.