Sweetwater flows to Kaitāia taps

Supplementary water from two bores at Sweetwater began flowing to Kaitāia homes yesterday, marking a significant milestone in improving the drought resilience of the district’s second largest town.

On Tuesday, water extracted from bores located 14km from the Okahu Road water treatment plant in Kaitāia was added to the town’s storage reservoir. This then feeds water to Kaitāia customers.

Adding bore water to the supply followed final checks on a mobile membrane unit that was installed at the plant late in January. Numerous checks on electrical and reticulation systems were then undertaken to commission the new unit. A final compliance laboratory test of the bore water was completed on Monday (17 February).

In early 2020, Kaitāia had the strictest (Level 4) water restrictions applied to households and businesses when it experienced its sixth drought in nine years. Flows in its main water source, the Awanui River, fell to the lowest level since records began 50 years ago.

The Sweetwater project reduces Kaitāia's reliance on the Awanui River by providing an alternative source of high-quality drinking water. This will alleviate pressure on the river, especially during dry summer months, and will help to avoid the need for future water restrictions.

The completion of this new water supply is seen as a crucial step toward ensuring a more consistent and dependable water source for Kaitāia residents, businesses, and industries.

Photo credit: Mike Dinsdale (Northland Age)