Westland District Council operates four wastewater treatment systems in the District: Hokitika, Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier and Haast.

The Hokitika WWTP currently discharges to the Tasman Sea.  This plant is undergoing a feasibility design review for an upgrade which will see a new mechanical treatment plant constructed in a new location.  The new Franz Josef WWTP (pond system with mechanical screening, aeration and dispersal fields to ground) was commissioned and operational in March 2020.

The Fox Glacier WWTP is a two pond oxidation system with discharge to the river. This WWTP  is currently undergoing going an upgrade.  The Haast WWTP is a single pond oxidation system with sub-surface discharge to the river bed.

The Group Manager: District Assets is responsible for the improvements and operation of Councils wastewater supplies. Operational and maintenance activities are carried out by Councils utilities maintenance contractor.”

Westland District Council operates eight water treatment plants throughout the district (Kumara, Hokitika, Ross, Harihari, Whataroa, Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier and Haast), with a ninth plant currently under construction (Arahura). 

The treatment processes vary from membrane treatment to cartridge filtration, UV disinfection and chlorination.  All treatment plants, generally comply with bacterial compliance and work is underway to meet the protozoal compliance with the Drinking Water Standards NZ 2005 (Revised 2018).

The Group Manager: District Assets is responsible for the improvements and operation of Councils water supplies. Operational and maintenance activities are carried out by Council's utilities maintenance contractor.

Stormwater reticulation services various communities throughout the Westland District.

The only township serviced by a significant reticulation scheme is Hokitika. The Hokitika reticulation is assisted by six pump stations with one more being developed (Livingstone St).  The Tancred St pump station has recently undergone an upgrade to increase capacity and reduce surface flooding issues within the CBD.

Minor reticulation schemes are operated and maintained in the following townships for the disposal of surface water from the road:

• Kumara
• Kaniere
• Ross
• Harihari
• Whataroa
• Okarito
• Franz Josef/Waiau
• Fox Glacier
• Haast.

Alert Level	Alert Description	Locations
	Conservation: Residents are advised that the water supply is expected to come under duress.  Please reduce non-essential water usage and be aware that this alert level may increase.	Arahura (25/02/2021)
	Water on alternate days The water supply is under considerable pressure and large water savings are necessary. Hoses, sprinklers and garden irrigation systems can only be used on alternate days (even street numbers on even days; odd street numbers on odd days).	NIL
	Sprinkler Ban The water supply is under extreme pressure. Hand held hoses should only be used on alternate days (even street numbers on even days; odd street numbers on odd days). Sprinklers, garden irrigation systems, water blasting and other non-essential water use is banned.	NIL
	Total Watering Ban The water supply level is critical. All use of water outside the house is banned (except for emergency purposes e.g. firefighting). Take all practical steps to reduce water usage immediately.	NIL

Water Supply Bylaw 2016

Westland District Council’s Water Supply Bylaw 2016  outlines the permissible usages of the town water supplies and activities that are not allowed.

We would like to remind members of the public that:

• it is an offence to take water from any stock effluent site. This includes taking water to fill water vessels or hosing vehicles down
• no persons are permitted to interfere with the town water supplies or make unauthorised connections to these supplies
• town water supplies are provided for general household consumption. Extra-ordinary users of town water supplies (those that draw excessively high levels of water for non-household usage) may be subject to additional water charges.

Keep an emergency water supply of drinking water

There are times when water supply may be interrupted for one reason or another, so we recommend that households store nine litres of water per person. This will enable households to survive for three days without township supplied water should this be necessary (for example, in the event of a Civil Defence emergency).

Household water hacks

Small differences in our water habits can make big differences for our environment. Here’s some simple ideas to get you started:

1. Limit garden watering by using surface mulch as much as possible. Use watering cans in preference to sprinklers or if you have a sprinkler system ensure you fit a timer to it.
2. Use a broom or leaf blower to clean driveways and porches rather than a garden hose.
3. Fix tap leaks and replace washers where necessary.
4. Use water-saving appliances (if possible) and wait until you have a full load of laundry before turning on washing machine. Front loading washing machines use only about a third of the water of top loaders.

Westland District Council thanks you for your cooperation in protecting our community water supplies.

Please direct all enquiries to  council@westlanddc.govt.nz  or 03 756 9010.