Water Supply

In 2003 and 2004, Kawerau's water was judged the best-tasting municipal supply water in a national competition.

Kawerau's water supply comes from two springs. There are also three wells which are used particularly during summer when the supply from the springs is insufficient to meet local demand.

The water is untreated, although it is corrected for pH. It is tested weekly for contamination and a full chemical analysis is carried out annually. If contamination is found, the water is treated with small amounts of chlorine for two weeks, or until it tests clear again.  The domestic water supply is not metered.

Water Use

People in Kawerau each use about 800 cubic metres of water per year, which is more per head of population than many other communities.

At times during the summer, demand exceeds supply. Once Council advises people to restrict their use, consumption usually falls, so there is no need to impose full restrictions.

The resource is not unlimited, so if you have leaking taps or run sprinklers for very long periods, it is a cost to the Community.

If you see water flowing in a street, or somewhere it doesn't normally flow, please contact the Council.

Turning-off your water

Water is supplied to each house separately. If you want to turn your supply off there is a valve near the boundary line between the road and your property.

To find the valve, look for the white paint on the kerb outside your property. The valve will be about 500mm below the ground under a small aluminium lid. If you can't find the valve, or have trouble turning it off, please contact the Council.