The Raetihi Water Treatment Plant and storage tank facility took a direct lightning strike earlier today during the widespread thunderstorms affecting much of the North Island.

The plant, which is situated on a hill overlooking the Raetihi township, remained fully operational, sustaining only minor damage to some instrumentation.

With 24 hours of on-site storage capacity, water supply to the community was not affected at any stage.

Council’s water services contractor Veolia responded immediately, restoring key functions within about an hour by replacing blown fuses.

Reservoir level instrumentation and remote monitoring remain affected; however, Veolia has confirmed this will not impact ongoing plant operations.

Veolia advises that alternative systems are in place, including the ability to monitor reservoir levels manually, ensuring the continued safe and reliable supply of drinking water to Raetihi.

Veolia is continuing work on fully restore all systems and will provide updates via Council if required.

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