Bid to tackle water problem

After three separate incidents hampering Featherston's water supply this year, the South Wairarapa District Council is making moves to improve the supply and will have a plan in place by the end of the year.

Utilities manager Bill Sloan said the two issues affecting Featherston's water supply were times when the Waiohine River was dirty and the breakdown of the Greytown plant.

The first incident in April required the council to issue a boil-water notice as a short supply of fresh water due to the dirty river meant water had to be supplied from Taits Creek.

"We had to issue a boil-water notice because we couldn't disinfect the water properly. It was a lot better than the water from the Waiohine, but it still had colour in it," Mr Sloan said.

A few weeks later, water was taken from Boar Bush, which was once a prime point of water supply for Featherston, but is now used as an emergency supply. However, the water is stored and often becomes stagnant.

"When we supply water from Boar Bush, we are able to treat it but, at the Boar Bush reservoir, the water is stored, so it has taste and smell issues, which created a negative reaction in the Featherston community," Mr Sloan said.

In early July, residents were asked to conserve water after a plant breakdown when emergency supplies were not used.

Mr Sloan says the three incidents have highlighted a need for something to be done about the water supply and the council is looking at its options.

He said the council was looking at a range of options to stop problems from occurring. A stand-alone supply for Featherston was the best way forward but depended on the availability of funding.

The council has applied to the Ministry of Health for a subsidy for a stand-alone supply but is also looking at enhancing the current supplies.

Mr Sloan said a plan should be in place by the end of the year.