While central government’s three waters reform process rolls on towards a decision, investment in the Upper Clutha’s water supply, wastewater and stormwater (3Waters) services continues with almost $200M of capital expenditure budgeted over the next 10 years.

Even though the reform could result in the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) losing control over its 3Waters infrastructure it still has to plan its investment as if nothing has changed.

"Until the government’s three waters reforms regarding service delivery become clearer we are focused on delivering current projects in line with existing plans," QLDC media advisor Sam White said.

In the QLDC’s 10-year Plan capital investment on 3Waters in Wanaka spread over the next 10 years includes a total of $30.4M on stormwater; $72M on wastewater; and almost $95M on drinking water services.

“A significant proportion of our proposed investment is associated with the construction of new, or upgrades to existing, water and wastewater infrastructure,” Sam said.

Drinking water services

Almost $95M is budgeted over the next 10 years to be invested in Wānaka’s drinking water with the single largest investment of $52.44M assigned to the treatment of Wānaka’s potable water over the next five years. 

Council has prioritised its three waters capital investment to maintain and improve levels of compliance with the Ministry of Health’s drinking water standards for New Zealand and resource consents, Sam said. 

Wānaka’s water supply currently does not fully comply with the new national drinking water standards, he said.  

“Like several other networks around the country, it does not yet include a protozoa barrier… [and] there are some additional issues caused by the presence of algae (Lindavia intermedia) in the lake. This poses no risk to human or animal health but can build up in water supply filters.”

“Our investment here will enable supply to comply fully with national standards.”

While there are no current compliance issues associated with Albert Town's reticulated water supply, Sam said the $2M earmarked for this financial year will improve the resilience of the Wānaka/Albert Town water network as a whole. 

Other investment projects include $5.4M budgeted this financial year and $1.4M next year to improve West Wānaka’s water supply levels of service, as well as $14.2M budgeted for the new Beacon Point reservoir, intake and mains infrastructure over the next two years to the end of June 2023.

Millions more is allocated for drinking water services in Cardrona, Hāwea and Luggate; $1.4M is budgeted this financial year towards the Cardrona Water Supply Scheme plus $6.67M next year; 12.1M is allocated to Hāwea’s drinking water supply over the next 10 years with most of that assigned to Hāwea Reservoir Capacity (almost $8.3M); and another $10.1M is set aside for Luggate, mostly targeted towards Luggate’s water supply scheme and reservoir capacity. 

Wastewater (sewerage) and stormwater services

A budget of $72M over the next 10 years has been allocated for capital investment in Wānaka’s wastewater services. Two biggest projects attracting the majority of the budget over the next two financial years are the North Wānaka wastewater conveyance ($7.3M) and Project Pure ($10.86M).

Wānaka’s primary wastewater treatment plant Project Pure. PHOTO: Supplied

While Wānaka’s wastewater treatment plant Project Pure is currently compliant, Sam said this investment will upgrade the facility to increase capacity, to cater for the growing population and maintain compliance. 

In addition to the $72M for Wānaka, an extra $26.1M has been budgeted for an upgrade to Hāwea’s wastewater scheme over the next three years as well as $11M budgeted for Cardrona’s new wastewater scheme.

Construction of stage one of Cardrona’s wastewater treatment plant started in October last year. PHOTO: Supplied

More than $30M is allocated for capital works on Wānaka’s stormwater over the next 10 years. 

This includes $1.6M budgeted over the next two years to resolve the Alpha Series (Meadowstone) residential subdivision flooding issues by diverting the stormwater runoff away from the spring-fed creek and also managing flood risks which exist to residential properties beside Bullock Creek.

Assuming central government’s proposed 3Waters reforms proceed, it is anticipated that councils will continue to deliver 3waters services until June 30, 2024 when a transition period begins to establish these same services under new centralised entities. 

Meanwhile, the Water Services Bill continues to progress through Parliament. If passed, the newly established water regulator, Taumata Arowai, will implement system-wide reforms to the regulations and standards governing drinking and source waters.