Water treatment plant opens to the community

28 March 2014

The inner workings of the Taupo District's biggest recent project will be on show to the community when the new water treatment plant on Lake Terrace holds an open day this Saturday, April 5.

The facility will open to the public from 10am to 2pm allow residents to explore the plant that was built to guarantee the supply of water to Taupo and meet updated New Zealand Drinking-water Standards.

The plant is now supplying about 11,000 properties in Taupo with water and capable of delivering up to 25,000 cubic metres of water to properties each day. It supplies homes from Nukuhau up to Wairakei and down to Wharewaka.

Project engineer Colin Giles said it was great to be able to offer the community the opportunity to see all the good work that has been done to provide Taupo with cleaner, better water through a state-of-the-art system. The community have seen this project evolve on their lakefront from start to finish so we think people will be interested to see the finished product, he said.

Parts of the water treatment plant are only accessible by steep stairs so those who use wheelchairs or have mobility issues may not be able to tour the plant.

Council staff will also be on site outside the water treatment plant to discuss the draft Annual Plan that was approved by councillors at their March meeting. This is an opportunity for members of the community to ask questions about anything included in the draft Annual Plan and give their feedback.

Those touring the plant will need to be aware of the risks; the plant is fully operational and contains moving parts, chemicals and equipment that could be hazardous. The plant is also quite loud, so the council will provide ear plugs.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Lisa Nairne Communications Manager 07 376 0762 027 839 8410

Vicki Waterhouse Communications Advisor 07 376 0718 027 484 2549

Taupo District Council