For years Woodville residents have been plagued with water woes, from summer shortages to claims of foul-tasting water.
But now Tararua District Council has dug itself out of a hole by digging a bigger hole - Woodville's new impounded water supply.
"The project is going well and our primary objective is to have this new supply source built before winter," said council manager of strategy and district development Peter Wimsett.
Previously Woodville residents had simply "got what they got", Mr Wimsett said.
"But with a liner and cover, Woodville people will be receiving untreated, but the best-quality, water we can give them."
Council staff member Tom Dodd said the new dam would provide better security of supply.
"We want quantity, but we also need reliable supply," he told the Dannevirke News.