Kāpiti’s water work paying off for district

While parts of the Wellington region are facing water restrictions, Kāpiti residents are enjoying a waterrestriction-free summer, due to sound investment in the district’s water infrastructure and water metering.

Kāpiti Coast District Council infrastructure services group manager Sean Mallon said the council supplies safe drinking water to about 20,000 connections for household and commercial use, so it is critical that we actively monitor and identify leaks, and continue to invest in maintenance and renewals and projects to increase the resilience of our water supply network.

“The introduction of water meters in 2014, coupled with the Waikanae River Recharge scheme and ongoing investment in the district’s water supply network means we have enough water to manage long dry conditions,” Mallon said.

“That being said, we continue to encourage people to use water wisely and to have an emergency water supply on hand should a natural hazard/disaster disrupt our systems.

“We recommend households have an emergency supply of at least 20 litres of water per person, per day for seven days (140L per person).”

Mallon said the council is continuing to work with Kāpiti communities to ensure people in the district have reliable access to clean water, now and in the future.

“Current projects to increase the safety and resilience of the district’s water supply network include the construction of a new water reservoir in Ō taki and a $22 million upgrade of the Waikanae Water Treatment Plant to increase its earthquake resilience and replace ageing equipment,” Mallon said.

“Work is also under way to renew a number of ageing pipes across the district and complete upgrades of existing bores.”