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). 

In its natural state the water contains elevated levels of naturally occurring arsenic, and the new plant uses innovative technology in a New Zealand first to lower the levels.

Ultra-violet light purification and pH (acidity) treatment have also been included in the upgrade to provide a supply that complies with current New Zealand Drinking Water Standards.

Whakatāne District Council Team Leader Capital Works Jim Finlay said it’s Council’s role to ensure people across the district have access to fresh, reliable and affordable water services. 

“The new facility houses new water treatment equipment and an in-ground pump chamber which contains four new pumps.

“The new plant is now able to meet the compliance standards and while current demand peaks at around 6500 cubic metres, it has ability to extend to up to 15,000 cubic metres a day," Mr Finlay said.