$3.5 Million Mataura Water Treatment Plant Upgrade Progressing Well

The upgrade of the Mataura Water Treatment Plant marked a major milestone recently with the commissioning of its first refurbished filter, which means the water supply now complies with New Zealand Drinking Water Standards.

A new automation system was also recently brought online for the $3.5 million project.

3 Waters Asset Manager Matt Bayliss said the plant’s upgrade was progressing well.

The upgrade includes installing an ultraviolet (UV) system, replacing and upgrading the old pipework, pumps and other mechanical equipment, and modernising all the electrical controls.

“The existing treatment plant almost met national drinking water standards. Now, with the first of two filters refurbished, we are meeting those standards.

"The UV treatment will provide an extra layer of protection over and above the minimum requirements.”

The upgrade will also ensure the plant meets current chemical storage and health and safety requirements, he said.

Work will now begin to upgrade the second filter, which involves the filter being decommissioned for six to eight weeks.

"We expect the plant will keep up with water supply demand given we are in our typically low demand period, and there weren’t any issues during refurbishment of the first filter. However, if demand starts exceeding what we can treat, we may have to ask residents to conserve water.

"There will also be work where we need to shut down the treatment plant for short periods, say up to eight hours.

"During this time, we will be using treated water stored in our reservoirs. Consequently, we aren't expecting any impact on the supply to residents.”

Mr Bayliss said the Council would notify residents via its app Antenno and Facebook when any work may affect the water supply.

Work started on site last November and is expected to be completed by October this year.