Tararua District Council is aware of increasing concern around water availability in Pongaroa and staff are monitoring this issue closely.

Data collected from the Pongaroa Water Treatment Plant over the past week shows a clear and worrying pattern of unusually high, unexplained drops in water levels in the treated reservoir.

Specifically, between 19 July and 26 July, there were three significant periods where water levels in the reservoir dropped sharply, even as the treatment plant continued to operate consistently at full capacity. When the reservoir levels fall to low levels, this disrupts water supply to the town.

These types of sudden, steep drops are not consistent with normal community use. They strongly suggest one of the following things is happening:

• the presence of new leaks in the distribution pipeline,
• unauthorised access or illegal taking of water from the supply system.

These events occurred on:

• 19 July, between 12:00 pm and 8:00 pm
• 22 July, 9:30 pm to 24 July, 10:30 am
• 25 July, 9:00 am to 26 July, 6:00 am

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Image: Pongaroa Reservoir Tank Level (19-26 July)

Image: Pongaroa Water Treatment Plant Production Flow Rate (19-26 July)

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We are actively investigating these events and working to determine the cause. If found to be unlawful activity, we will work with relevant authorities to address this. Our community deserves a secure, reliable water supply - and we are determined to protect it.

We’re asking the community to remain alert. If you notice signs of leaks or suspicious activity near the treatment plant or within the town, please report it to Council immediately. Your eyes and ears can help prevent water loss, water theft and protect our shared infrastructure.

It’s important to remember that Pongaroa is supplied via a rural water scheme, which is designed to supplement other water sources (not be the main supply). Under the Tararua District Council Water Supply Bylaw, all residential properties connecting to this scheme are required to have their own onsite water storage (typically rainwater tanks or harvested sources) to meet daily household needs. The bylaw was put in place to ensure long-term water security in rural areas and provide a sustainable supply of water for everyone in the community.

Council remains committed to serving Pongaroa. Water issues can cause frustration and concern for everyone involved. Council staff will continue to monitor and investigate, and we’ll update you with more when we can. In the meantime, we thank you for continuing to work with us.