Water

The Buller District Council maintains and operates domestic water supplies at Little Wanganui subdivision, Mokihinui, Ngakawau/Hector, Waimangaroa, Westport/Carters Beach, Reefton, Inangahua Junction and Punakaiki.

A Rural Water Supply sourced from Omanu Creek provides stock water for the farming community at Cape Foulwind.

Westport Water Supply

The Westport water supply is from a creek catchment in the hills behind Westport and is transferred to the reservoirs by a series of underground tunnels and water races. These tunnels combined, are over 1,900 metres in length and were constructed around 1903, which in those days was a remarkable feat. The water is then coagulated for colour removal, treated with lime for Ph adjustment and chlorinated.

In May 2009 a major collapse of a section of the No.4 Tunnel prevented the gravity supply of water to the reservoirs and required Council to pump from the alternate water supply until August 2010. To reinstate the gravity supply from the Giles Creek intake, Council engaged a Contractor to complete major strengthening work within the tunnel and to install a 800mm HDPE pipe through its entire length of 400m.

Westport residents use about 5 million litres of water per day. Council's role as water supplier to the region involves operating 2 water treatment plants and 2 pumping stations.

Reefton Water Supply

The Reefton Water supply is pumped from an infiltration gallery adjacent to the Inangahua River and is untreated. Council is currently awaiting government funding to complete a major upgrade of this supply including a treatment plant with UV disinfection and the upgrading of the existing water reservoir.

Punakaiki Water Supply

The Punakaiki water supply is drawn from a creek in the hills and is filtered and sterilised by ultra violet light. This is also awaiting government funding for a major upgrade.

Approved Contractors List
Application to Install

Water Supply Problem?

If any water problems are encountered, or for any queries, please contact:

Plumbsolvency Warning

The Ministry of Health has urged councils to make residents aware that some plumbing fittings have the potential to allow minute traces metals to accumulate in water standing in the fittings for several hours.

Although the health risk is small, the Ministry of Health recommends that you flush a mugful of water from your drinking water tap each morning before use to remove any metals that may have corroded from the plumbing fittings.

The Ministry of Health recommends this simple precaution to all households, including those on public and private water supplies.

Conserving Water

Water is essential for many processes in life; a human can survive for only a few days without consuming water. Apart from drinking, we use water in many other ways such as washing clothes, dishes and ourselves.

Water is a valuable resource and demands on its usage are always increasing. Even in places renowned for rain (like the West Coast) it is important that we don't unnecessarily waste water. Below are a few water conservation hints that can help to save water.

Economise - Be aware of the amount of water you use, and look for ways to use less. For instance, don't leave the water running when you wash, shave and brush your teeth.

Maintenance - A leaking tap can waste more than 350 litres of water each day. Check your taps and replace worn washers or valve seats as needed. Use low flow shower heads, aerators or flow restrictors. For older toilets, install a toilet dam or displacement device such as a weighted plastic jug in your tank.

Save outdoors - Water your lawn or gardens only when it needs it. Landscape with trees and shrubs that require less water. If you use a sprinkler, make sure it is aimed correctly at your garden and that you are not watering your footpath!