There could be irrigation possibilities in a revamp of Marton and Hunterville water supplies, Rangitikei District Council chief executive Ross McNeil says.
The matter is being explored in a $75,000 pre-feasibility study, funded by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). The Rangitikei District Council is taking a lead role, with input from MPI and consultants.
This new study follows Rangitike's $200,000 Strategic Water Assessment funded by council and MPI and finished at the end of 2014. The assessment recommended looking for opportunities linked to the Marton and Hunterville water supplies.
The two overlap and it's a complex and intricate project, Mr McNeil said.
Hunterville town and rural water is taken from the Rangitikei River, and expensively pumped to higher ground before distribution by gravity. It's available across 61,000ha.