The Council operates 16 water supply schemes supplying water to over 15,000 properties.

Water Supply Problems

If you have a problem with your water supply, please call the Council on 0800 965 468.  If the problem is on the Council side of the 'point of supply', the Council's maintenance contractor will fix it for you.

It may be that your water supply problems are not the Council’s responsibility, for example, there is a private problem with the pipes in your house or the pipe between the Council’s service valve to your house is leaking. If this is the case, you will need to call a plumber and pay them to fix the problem.

For an application to obtain a permit to use a fire hydrant, please contact the Water Asset Manager on 0800 965 468.

Drinking Water Safety

The Council operates water supply schemes to the Drinking-water Standards. Levels of nitrate and other contaminants of interest are monitored by the Council for reticulated water supply schemes.

Taumata Arowai took over responsibility for regulating drinking water from the Ministry of Health in November 2021, via the Water Services Act, which now requires all registered water supplies to submit a Drinking Water Safety Plan (DWSP) as well as introduce a residual disinfectant, such as chlorine - unless awarded an exemption.

Safety and testing of private wells is the responsibility of the well owner.

Managing a Private Well Supply

This booklet has been put together for local private water supply well owners, and contains information on how to ensure water supplied to a home or workplace is safe to drink.