New Levin water treatment plant opens

Associate Minister of Health Hon Peter Dunne surveys the Levin WTP after officially opening the upgrade on Tuesday morning.

By Ashleigh Collis

There will be no more boil water notices issued in Levin, now that its previously non-compliant water treatment plant has been upgraded at a cost of $6.4 million.

Just last year there were two boil water notices after a contaminant protozoa was found in the water supply, as well as regular boil water notices over the past 15 years.

However, thanks to a new water clarifier that removes silt from the Ohau River source, water is effectively treated and cleared of any contaminants.

The updated treatment plant was officially opened on Tuesday morning by Associate Minister of Health Peter Dunne and Horowhenua District Mayor Michael Feyen.

The upgrade also included installation of a new six million-litre reservoir that doubles the plant's capacity and provides the town with at least 24 hours of water storage,
constructing a new chemical dosing system, installing an ultra violet water treatment system, constructing a new chlorine shed, and additional electrical and telemetry works.

Horowhenua District Council's projects managererry O'Neill said a secure and reliable water supply is essential to the wellbeing, health and safety of people and communities in Levin.

"This project was completed within budget, on time and demonstrates that Horowhenua District can have first-class infrastructure at a cost our community can afford, by ensuring we are focused on the right outcomes," he said.

Council has a resource consent until July 2042 allowing it to extract up to 15,000 cubic metres of water per day from the Ohau River.

The district council operates five drinking water supply schemes of which Levinis the largest, currently supplying approximately 20,000 people. It was the last to be upgraded, following Tokomaru, Shannon, Foxton and Foxton Beach.