'On demand' water supply
Council provides potable water supplies in the Ōtorohanga and Kāwhia communities. The water supplies for Ōtorohanga and Kāwhia are 'on demand' systems that are designed to provide adequate, continuous water pressure and quality. The Ōtorohanga water supply draws and treats water from the Waipā River. The Kāwhia water supply draws and treats water from springs in the community.
Common water supply issues
Water supply interruptions
From time to time, you may experience interruptions to your water supply. This will can be caused by work on the water network in your area, planned or unplanned water shutdowns. Pressure changes in the water caused by shutting water off temporarily to fix or replace a water pipe, creates a suction, and draws air in or dislodges minerals in the water mains.
Discoloured water
Over long periods, a layer of very fine silt may build up at the bottom of some water supply pipes. A variety of reasons may cause an unusually strong flow of water in these pipes. This silt is mixed with the water and 'dirty water' may be created for a brief period of time.
This discoloured water (usually in a grey shade) is unattractive, but it does not pose a risk to health. If you notice that the water is discoloured and not suitable for your intended use, run the water until it clears. Discoloured water does not permanently stain clothes washed in it.
Changes in water taste
Some people are sensitive to very small variations in the taste of water. These variations may occur in the Council supplies, particularly in Ōtorohanga during the summer when the Waipa River is very low.
Flushing taps
The water provided by Council supplies may dissolve the metal of household pipes and plumbing fittings very slowly - this is a natural process. If the water lies in the pipes or fittings for long periods, this could result in heavy metals such as copper being present in the water. It is therefore recommended that taps be run for two or three seconds to flush out affected water before using it for food preparation or drinking.
What do you do with the water you’ve run?
Capture the water in a bucket and:
• use in your garden or on your household plants; or
• use it to clean your car, boat, or family dog; or
• use it to top up your pool; or
• start a collection in a water tank / rain barrel for watering the garden when it is dry and hot.
Responsibility for water pipes
Council is generally responsible for:
- a water pipe serving an individual property up to the boundary of that property with council owned land, or
- up to the point where a pipe splits away from another pipe that serves more than one property
Beyond this point, the pipes and the maintenance of these pipes become the responsibility of the property owner(s) through which they pass.
Charges for water supply
Ōtorohanga community
Water is charged quarterly, and bills are made up of two parts; a fixed network charge and a volumetric charge.
Kāwhia community
Water is charged by uniform rating charge in yearly rates or if your property is an extraordinary user, you will be billed twice a year. This bill will be made up of two parts; a fixed network charge and a volumetric charge.
Water connections
Charges apply when new connections to water supplies are established, or when existing properties are redeveloped in a way that is likely to result in significant increases in water use.
- For more information on this, please visit our page: Development and Financial Contributions.
- For information on fees relating to water supply, please visit our page: Water Connection Charges.
To request a new water connections you will need to submit an application form.
Apply for a new water connection
The Regional Infrastructure Technical Specification (RITS) is a document that sets out how to design and construct transportation, water supply, wastewater, stormwater and landscaping infrastructure in the participating councils’ areas. For Regional Infrastructure Technical Specifications click here.
The Water Services Bylaw places control over urban networks for the supply of drinking water and drainage of sewerage or stormwater, it is collectively termed 'water services.' Find out more here.
Rural water supply schemes
On behalf of the scheme members, Council also operates and administers a number of water supply schemes in rural areas. There are six water supply schemes in the District which supply water primarily for agricultural purposes on a 'trickle feed' basis. Water is charged six monthly, and bills are made up of two parts; a fixed network charge and a volumetric charge.
- Waipā Rural Water Scheme
- Tihiroa Rural Water Scheme
- Arohena Rural Water Schemes
- Kahoreaku Rural Water Scheme
- Huirimu Rural Water Scheme
- Taupaki Rural Water Scheme
- Ranginui Rural Water Scheme (STOCK ONLY)
These schemes require connected properties to install storage tanks to provide for higher peak water demands. The establishment of these schemes was initially funded by the properties who were served by these schemes. The water users control these schemes, with Council only fulfilling operational and administrative roles.
• Terms and Conditions for the Rural Water Supply Schemes
To request a new water connection you will need to submit an application form.
Apply for a new water connection
Need for water conservation
Council's water supplies have all got relatively limited supply capacity. In the interests of good environmental management, measures to reduce water use are encouraged, and in some cases required. For details on how you can reduce water consumption, please visit the water conservation page.
Formal restrictions of the use of water for non-essential purposes may be imposed by Council at times of peak demand. These restrictions are routinely applied in the Kāwhia Community over the Christmas / New Year period. Limitations on the water supply in Kāwhia means that there will always be some risk of water shortages during this peak demand period unless water is used very carefully.
Bulk Water Take
Council has one location to take bulk water. This ensures the safety of our water supply, and accurate billing of your water use.
For details on applying to Take Water from the Ōtorohanga Community Water Supply, please visit Taking Bulk Water.
Water services bylaw
This bylaw places control over urban networks for the supply of drinking water and drainage of sewerage or stormwater, it is collectively termed 'water services.'
Bylaw provisions
Provisions of the bylaw include:
- Definition of discharges to the public sewer or stormwater systems that may be considered unacceptable
- Definition of the boundaries between private and public water services, and the responsibilities associated with each
- Rules relating to the connection of private properties to the public water services network
- Rules to ensure that public water services are protected against damage
This bylaw was last reviewed in 2013.