Ākitio and Pongaroa Raw Water Storage

Tararua District Council is progressing upgrades to the raw (untreated) water storage capacity at the Ākitio and Pongaroa water treatment plants, strengthening the reliability and resilience of water supplies for both communities.

The projects are focused on strengthening the water networks ahead of the peak summer period and providing greater capacity to manage periods of high water demand and prolonged dry weather.

Why is the work needed?

Water demand can increase significantly during summer, particularly during hot and dry periods. Additional storage provides greater flexibility within the water networks and helps Council manage fluctuations in demand and supply.

The upgrades are part of ongoing work to improve the resilience and reliability of our water infrastructure and support the long-term needs of both communities.

Raw water is water taken from the source/river before it is treated for drinking. At present, the plants largely rely on water continuing to arrive from the source. The new tanks will hold raw water, so the plants have a reserve to treat if the intake is interrupted or source conditions become difficult.

The upgrades will provide at least three days of raw water storage under average demand at each site, reducing reliance on direct water intake and providing greater security for local water supplies.

Project timeline

Construction will soon begin, with Council aiming to have the upgrades completed before Christmas 2026, subject to construction progress and weather. The work will be carried out by local contractors, supporting local businesses and bringing local knowledge and expertise to the projects.

We will advise the community promptly if that timing changes, and we will continue to provide updates as the projects progress, including any information about works that may affect the local community.

What this means for residents

The increased storage capacity will improve the resilience of the Ākitio and Pongaroa water supplies, particularly during periods of high demand.

However, seasonal water restrictions or temporary supply measures may still be required during periods of particularly high demand or prolonged dry weather.

Council will continue to monitor water levels and demand and will communicate with the community if restrictions or other measures are required.

Keeping you informed

We’ll keep residents updated as the projects progress and provide information about any changes that may affect the water supply.

Updates will be shared through Council’s usual communication channels, including our website, Facebook and Antenno.

FAQs

The upgrades will increase water storage capacity in Ākitio and Pongaroa and improve the resilience of the local water supplies.

Additional storage provides greater flexibility for managing periods of high-water demand and prolonged dry weather, particularly over the summer months.

Raw water is water taken from the source/river before it is treated for drinking. At present, the plants largely rely on water continuing to arrive from the source. The new tanks will hold raw water, so the plants have a reserve to treat if the intake is interrupted or source conditions become difficult.

The projects involve upgrading the water storage facilities in Ākitio and Pongaroa to provide additional storage capacity for each community’s water supply.

For Ākitio:

  • Installation of four 30m³ raw water storage tanks, including pumps and automation
  • Replacement of approximately 400m of pipeline between the gully adjacent to the treatment plant and the upper storage tanks

For Pongaroa:

  • Installation of seven 30m³ raw water storage tanks, including pumps and automation
  • Installation of a fire-fighting water supply standpipe
  • Creation of an operational raw water buffer to improve treatment plant resilience and support fire-fighting water supply

The upgrades will increase the amount of raw water that can be stored and available for use during periods of high demand, helping to improve the resilience of both water supplies.

Council is aiming to complete the works before Christmas 2026, subject to construction progress and weather. We will advise the community promptly if that timing changes.

The increased storage will improve the resilience of the water supplies, but it cannot guarantee that restrictions will not be needed.

Seasonal water restrictions or temporary supply measures may still be required during periods of high demand or prolonged dry weather.

Water storage is only one part of managing a water supply. During particularly hot, dry or prolonged periods, demand can increase significantly while water sources may be under pressure.

Council will continue to monitor water levels and demand and will introduce restrictions or other temporary measures if necessary to protect the water supply.

Some disruption may be required while construction and commissioning work takes place. If planned work is expected to affect the water supply, Council will provide information to affected residents.

Using water carefully is particularly important during periods of high demand or dry weather. Residents can help by avoiding unnecessary water use and following any water restrictions that are in place.