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.

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, which will be undertaken by local contractors, 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.

At Ākitio, the project will involve installing approximately four 30m³ raw water storage tanks, along with pumps and automation. Around 400 metres of pipeline between the gully adjacent to the treatment plant and the upper storage tanks will also be replaced.

At Pongaroa, approximately seven 30m³ raw water storage tanks will be installed, along with pumps and automation. The project will also include a fire-fighting water supply standpipe, supporting both the resilience of the treatment plant and local fire-fighting capability.

The original programme was scheduled to run from September 2026 through to May 2027. In response to community concerns about the reliability of water supply during extended summer dry periods, Council has accelerated the programme, with a target of completing the works before Christmas 2026, subject to construction progress and weather. We will advise the community promptly if that timing changes.

The upgrades are intended to strengthen the water supplies ahead of the peak summer period. However, seasonal water restrictions or temporary supply measures may still be required during periods of high demand or prolonged dry weather, including potential El Niño conditions.

Council will keep the Ākitio and Pongaroa communities informed as the projects progress, including updates on key milestones and any changes to the programme.

For more information on the projects, head to: Ākitio and Pongaroa Raw Water Storage | Tararua District Council