Tararua District Council is continuing work to address ongoing water quality issues within the Norsewood water supply network.

Monitoring has identified manganese levels above the acceptable value within the Norsewood water supply. Council has already invested in upgrades to the Norsewood Water Treatment Plant to improve water quality. While these improvements have helped, monitoring has shown that manganese levels within the network remain above the acceptable value. Current public health advice indicates there is no immediate health risk for the general population.

Testing has confirmed the Norsewood Water Treatment Plant is producing compliant drinking water, investigations indicate some of the remaining water quality issues are linked to historic deposits and ageing infrastructure within parts of the reticulation network. Council is working with Taumata Arowai to address these issues and improve water quality outcomes for the Norsewood community.

Council is currently in the investigation and planning phase of a wider programme of water supply improvements. Work underway includes additional water quality sampling, maintenance and optimisation activities at the treatment plant, planning for network flushing activities, and investigations into the condition of the reticulation network. These activities will help Council better understand the issue and identify the most effective long-term solutions.

Previous upgrades to the Norsewood Water Treatment Plant have improved the treatment process, however ongoing monitoring has shown that manganese levels within the network remain above the acceptable value. Current investigations indicate that some of the remaining issues are linked to the reticulation network rather than the treatment plant itself.

As part of this work, Council and Tararua Alliance are preparing surveys and engagement material to help build a better understanding of existing property connections within the network. Residents may be contacted in the coming months to provide information that will assist with future planning.

Council is also planning a range of short-term improvement activities, including additional monitoring, treatment plant maintenance and network flushing, while longer-term upgrade options are investigated. Residents will be notified before any activities that may affect their water supply.

Potential future improvements being investigated include replacement of customer water service connections, water main renewals, installation of modern backflow prevention devices and targeted repairs to ageing infrastructure. No major construction works are planned at this stage, with investigations and planning continuing over the coming months.

Council understands residents may be frustrated that the issue has not yet been resolved and remains committed to keeping the Norsewood community informed as work progresses.

Further updates will be shared through Council's website, Facebook page, Antenno and other communication channels as more information becomes available. Residents can find the latest information here: Norsewood Water Programme of Works | Tararua District Council