Media Release: Monday 17 March

Shannon marks milestone with opening of new Water Treatment Plant

The Shannon community has marked a milestone with the official opening of the town’s new water treatment plant on Monday.

About 75 people attended, mostly Shannon residents, along with Horowhenua District Council staff and representatives from engineering consultants Beca and infrastucture company Downer. The occasion was blessed by representatives from the local iwi Ngati Whakatere.

The new water treatment plant, responsible for treating the raw water supply from Mangaore River, includes a state-of-the-art membrane filtration system and control equipment, new pipes and other ancillary works necessary for the plant's operation, as well as a new plant building. The town's water main reservoir was also cleaned.

The $3.39 million project was helped by a $2.13 million capital works assistance subsidy from the Ministry of Health.

Council's Chief Executive David Clapperton says the plant's commissioning has been completed and water quality recording will continue to ensure that the plant is producing A-grade treated water that meets all the relevant New Zealand Drinking Water Standards set by the Ministry of Health.

"This is a huge milestone for the Shannon community and the Horowhenua District."

Mr Clapperton says it is expected that the plant's A-grade status will be confirmed by the Ministry of Health early next year.

Horowhenua Mayor Brendan Duffy says there is a lot of history leading up to Shannon's water supply upgrade and that the new treatment plant's official opening is proof of a "fantastic outcome".

"Today we're on site at this new facility which will provide top quality water to the Shannon community," he said.

"We sometimes feel that on too many occasions this District is looked down on regarding its water supplies, but we're actually a hell of a lot better than is often acknowledged. This is an example of such an outcome. Shannon's water treatment plant is as good as you'll get anywhere in New Zealand."

Horowhenua District Council operates five drinking water supply schemes.

Upgrades are almost complete for the Foxton Beach and Foxton supplies.

For the Levin supply the Council is currently investigating options for the location and construction of a new six million litre treated water reservoir, with construction scheduled for the 2014/15 financial year. The new reservoir will provide a greater level of storage and a higher grading for the distribution system.

Upgrades to Tokomaru's water supply are currently scheduled for 2025 , but in the meantime the Council is investigating possible affordable options that may see the upgrade brought forward.

ENDS

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