The Braemar Water Treatment Plant has had a major upgrade to ensure the water it produces remains safe to drink.
15 February 2024 - Major upgrade to Braemar water supply completed
A major and innovative upgrade of the Braemar Water Treatment Plant has been celebrated with representatives from all aspects of the project gathering onsite Tuesday (13 February) for an official blessing and opening ceremony.
Representatives from Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Rangitihi, Tuwharetoa ki Kawerau and Ngāti Makino the entities who have manawhenua in the Rangitāiki rohe were acknowledged for their guidance and support of this transformational project.
The plant provides water to communities across the Rangitāiki Plains from the Tarawera River to just outside the Whakatāne township.
The $6.3M project has taken just over a year complete and was carried out with assistance from central government’s Three Waters stimulus funding ($1.35M).
The Braemar Spring supplies drinking water to communities across the Rangitāiki Plains from the Tarawera River to just outside the Whakatāne township.
However, the water in its natural state doesn’t align with the New Zealand Drinking Water Standards which is why we are building a new innovative treatment plant.
The new facility will house new water treatment equipment and an in-ground pump chamber which will contain four new pumps. We are also moving the access road (although the entrance will remain the same) and planting native vegetation.
While this work is underway access to the swimming pool and picnic area will remain open to everyone.
Te Wai Ū o Pukemaire ko te wai ora o ngā mea katoa.
Example of the final treatment plant
Frequently asked questions
Why are you undertaking this work?
We want to ensure all our people across the district have access to fresh, reliable, and affordable water services which support good health and sustainable environment outcomes. In its natural state the water contains elevated levels of naturally occurring arsenic. The new plant uses innovative technology in a New Zealand first to reduce the risk of arsenic in the water. The new plant will also have new ultra-violet (UV) lights for treating water. The UV Lights reduce the number of bacteria or germs that could make people sick. Which is why we need to upgrade this water treatment plant to ensure we continue to provide this service for our communities now and in the future
What will it mean for me?
If you live in the area which gets its water from this treatment plant, it will mean you continue to receive fresh, reliable drinking water which is aligned with Taumata Arowai standards (the new and independent water services regulator).
Will this affect my water supply?
Your water supply should remain unaffected throughout construction. If we ever need to temporarily turn it off, you will be notified well in advance.
Will the taste of the water change?
No, the Braemar water will still have that crystal-clear spring taste
Will I still be able to swim at Braemar Springs?
Yes, the pool will remain open during the construction phase and after construction is finished.
When will construction be finished?
We expect construction will be finished mid-2023. However, this is dependent on lots of factors including weather, COVID-19 etc. But we will endeavour to keep people updated with regular communication throughout the project.