That plan ran into widespread opposition especially as it appeared as if the lake would impinge on the historic Lutheran Church cemetery.
Mr Bassett-Foss said about 200 people had attended the drop-in days designed to allow people to get alongside project team members and share their views.
He said he was pleased with that response and the interest shown in the water use plans.
Mr Bassett-Foss said people had generally appreciated the opportunity to discuss the project and wanted to be kept informed of its progress.
He said consultation is an "on-going priority" for the project team.
The Wairarapa Water Use Project is investigating the viability of a multi-purpose water scheme that would collect and store water then distribute it during drier weather.
It is said to have the potential to increase irrigation in Wairarapa from 12,000 hectares to about 42,000ha and other uses could include increasing low summer river flows, recreation, stock water, frost fighting, hydro-electricity generation and urban water supplies.
Mr Bassett-Foss said the schemes worthy of being taken forward should be finalised by the end of next year.
The idea of harnessing the vast amounts of water that fall in the Tararua ranges but mostly flows out to sea - leaving the Wairarapa plains and eastern hills to dry out in summer - has been on the drawing board for years.
Former Masterton district councillor Owen Perry spoke out about the need for a major water catchment scheme many years ago, without formulating any real plans to have it done.
Later, in May 2007, the Wairarapa Irrigation Trust was formed chaired by Greytown farmer Bob Tosswill and supported by the Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency.
Since the drive to harness water gained momentum those supporting the project have included field studies determining the success of schemes elsewhere.
One of the areas held up to be particularly successful with irrigation is Mid Canterbury.
