The new water treatment plant built to serve the Omori, Pukawa and Kuratau communities was officially opened yesterday, with around 40 members of the community and project team in attendance.

The new plant will be able to produce two million litres of drinking water per day, with capacity for future expansion. It will also provide the community with a more resilient water supply that meets New Zealand drinking water standards.

It is a major upgrade from the treatment process that was in place at the old plant. It has a state-of-the-art membrane filtration system, UV treatment and monitoring equipment. There will also be a large permanent back-up generator that can run the plant if there is no power. The plant was funded by district-wide water rates and cost $8.3 million.

The official opening began with a karakia and then speeches before locals, councillors and visitors were able to have a look through the new water treatment plant.

Taupō District Mayor John Funnell thanked the Taupō District Council project team, contractor Marshall Projects, Fire and Emergency New Zealand for sharing the site during construction and the Ōmori–Kuratau Charitable Trust for being such supportive and accommodating neighbours.

"The new plant is a vital piece of infrastructure for the community," the Mayor said, noting that the Omori plant is the second of four new membrane water treatment plants being delivered across the Taupō district.

“A new Kinloch plant was opened last year and construction of a new water treatment plant in Motuoapa is well underway. We are also in the planning stages for a new plant in Hatepe, so it is great to see that our smaller settlements can count on safe and resilient water supplies."

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