Norsewood Water Treatment Plant Upgrade
The Norsewood Water Treatment Plant is undergoing upgrades following community concerns about the discolouration and sedimentation of the current water supply. The upgrade is aimed at ensuring the plant meets the New Zealand Drinking Water standards by installing a UV filtration system to eliminate harmful microorganism ensuring safe water for the Norsewood community.
The upgrade to the water treatment filtration process also includes re-plumbing and cleaning of the existing tanks. In addition, a new 30,000l water tank has been installed to ensure the water treatment plant meets the community’s water demand.
Update 5 March 2025
As part of the Norsewood Water Treatment Plant upgrade and associated network flushing programme, we (Downer) will be installing new water flushing valves in Norsewood from Monday 24 March 2025 through to Friday 4 April 2025 to prepare for the flushing unit on the 10 April.
Although this work will be disruptive, it is imperative that we carry it out so that we are able to remove Iron and Manganese laden biofilm that has been steadily reducing the quality of Norsewood’s water supply. The valve installation programme being implemented will allow for ongoing flushing maintenance in the future, so we are able to keep biofilm build up to a minimum and consequently reduce the risk to your water supply. If anyone is concerned about the effects of Iron and Manganese in your water supply, please read the information sheet here. This information has been provided by Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, National Public Health Service.
Due to this, we will have to shut off water to sections of Norsewood as we progress. Tararua District Council (TDC) will advise closer to the time which parts of Norsewood will be affected and when. TDC will provide amenities (Portaloo at Public toilet) and water where necessary to avoid closing of essential services.
While the flushing of the network is being undertaken, you should not experience any significant reduction in services. Due to the complexity of the Norsewood water reticulation network, TDC have had to source a different method of flushing to ensure efficacy and reduce water loss. This technique uses current water supply without the need to shut off supply. If it is necessary to shut down any part of the network during this time, you will be notified.
To minimise disruption as much as possible, we have scheduled the flushing valve installation and network flushing as follows:
- Valve Installation – water shutdowns will occur
- Monday 24 March – Friday 4 April
- Network Flushing – water shutdowns should not occur
- Thursday 10 April – Tuesday 15 April
If you experience cloudy or increased sedimentation in your water after any of the work has occurred, we recommend running your tap for 10 -15 minutes, which should resolve the issue.
