Thirsty town needs larger water supply
‘‘The new reservoir will increase the availability of water for major emergencies.’’
A $4.6 million plan is underway to upgrade Morrinsville’s 80-yearold reservoir to meet current water use rates and projected population increases.
The town’s ageing water reservoir is coming to the end of its life. It has a capacity of 3400m3 when the average daily use of water in Morrinsville was 5500m3. At peak demand, water use shoots up to 8200m3.
Matamata-Piako District Council, in its latest report on the town’s water supply situation, said there is insufficient water storage for Morrinsville and no scope for future population growth.
The council has investigated a number of options and believed it was best to replace the existing reservoir with a new 8000m3 tank on Mt Misery. It would be built alongside the existing tank, on Kuranui Rd, south of Morrinsville, which would be removed when the new one began operation.
The project summary, looking at the pros and cons of replacing the reservoir, said to continue with the current water supply could result in water restrictions during the summer, further supporting the need for an upgrade. But the council’s research also showed that installing a new 83000m3 capacity tank did not mean it would safeguard the town against seasonal drought periods.
‘‘The new reservoir will increase the availability of water for major emergencies, however it will not alleviate water restrictions due to prolonged dry weather.’’
The cost of the Morrinsville Reservoir project in the 16/17 annual plan was $4.6m. The project summary description showed the council owned and operated six water supply schemes and eight water treatment plants in the district.
The long term plan showed the district had enough water treatment plants to cope with population increases in Matamata and Morrinsville but needed to increase its water storage capacity.
‘‘The increased storage will also help to overcome water pressure problems during summer demand and improve operational performance.’’ The project summary said the extra capacity would provide 24 hour storage at average daily demand required by the Ministry of Health.