The Far North District Council is set to will present long-term options for Kāeo's troubled water supply by next month. Photo / Yolisa Tswanya
The Far North District Council is set to will present long-term options for Kāeo's troubled water supply by next month. Photo / Yolisa Tswanya
While plans take shape behind the scenes, Kāeo residents are still being advised to boil their water.
Water regulator Taumata Arowai has confirmed the advisory is still in effect, as the Far North District Council (FNDC) works towards a March deadline to outline long-term solutions.
FNDC said optionswill be ready for consideration by the end of March but did not share details of the long-term plans.
Kāeo residents have struggled with the water supply for years, with the town being under a boil water notice for more than 10 years.
After years of ongoing issues, water regulator Taumata Arowai stepped in and in November, used its legal powers to direct the FNDC to intervene and take control of the water supply, giving a deadline of March this year to find a cost-effective, long-term solution.
The scheme has been operated by Wai Care Environmental Consultants since purchasing it in 2018. Before that, the council sold the asset in 2000 to Doubtless Bay Water, which withdrew from the arrangement in 2008.
FNDC head of infrastructure, Tanya Proctor said they have secured access agreements with the landowner and agreed terms with the operator to step in and run the system.
“We have restarted the plant in its current condition to continue supply of water to the connected customers, and we are attending the site regularly to ensure it is operating successfully and remedy any issues that arise.”
Proctor said the March date refers to having options available for consideration, not to have them in place or installed.
Kāeo has been under a boil water notice since 2015 after E.coli was found. Photo / Yolisa Tswanya
“A number of options are expected to be put forward for consideration.”
She said costs are still being finalised and the total cost of a long-term solution and whether residents will face increased water charges will only be known once an option is selected.
“Reinstatement of the water supply before Christmas was a positive step for the 14 properties and the council will continue to keep customers informed on the progress to find a long-term solution,” Proctor said.
Taumata Arowai head of operations Steve Taylor said: “The Authority’s expectations remain that a permanent solution is identified by March 31.
“If the permanent solution involves council taking over the supply, we expect resolution of land access issues, transfer of assets and liabilities and confirmed funding or cost recovery arrangements.”
Taumata Arowai said the “boil water advisory remains in effect to protect public health.
“We are aware that FNDC is looking at options, including associated costs and funding options.
