Raetihi water supply can return to Makotuku anytime

Photo/File

Raetihi can now return to the Makotuku River to draw its drinking water.

Yesterday Midcentral Medical Officer of Health Patrick O'Connor gave clearance to the Ruapehu District Council (RDC) that the Makotuku River was safe to drink.

A spill from the Turoa ski field on Mt Ruapehu in October last year leaked 19,000 litres of diesel into the Makotuku River forcing RDC to switch the water source for Raetihi township to the Makara Stream.

RDC chief executive Peter Till said that although it was good news that Dr O'Connor has given the go-ahead to return to the Makotuku, a date for this has not yet been set.

"Council will discuss the clearance with Raetihi residents at the public meeting scheduled for 6pm on Thursday at the Raetihi Cosmopolitan Club.".

Mr Till said the Makara was not a viable long-term water source due to its smaller size and topography, and being able to return to the Makotuku was a valuable option to have open to the community.

"As we have already flagged, we are all on a long journey before we reach a final long-term water supply solution for Raetihi and the wider Waimarino."

Mr Till added that council would like to encourage as many Raetihi residents as possible to visit the water intake, new hydrocarbon sensor and settling ponds before Thursday's public meeting.

"The site visit and the public meeting will provide an opportunity for Raetihi residents to see first-hand the work that has been done and ask any questions they may have about the process, plans and options from here."