Chlorination of Punakaiki's water supply
Buller District Council has chlorinated Punakaiki's water supply to ensure that users have a secure, safe and compliant source of drinking water.
The chlorination of Punakaiki's water supply
The Punakaiki water supply was designed in 1986 and is fed by Smiths Creek. Surface water sources such as Smiths Creek are prone to contamination from animal activity and runoff.
As a significant water supply, Punakaiki is required to meet drinking water legislative requirements. They are accompanied by Drinking Water Quality Assurance Rules set by Taumata Arowai. Chlorination is required to meet these drinking water requirements.
Pipework and other water supply components have aged over time, leaving them at risk, especially during natural hazard events such as earthquakes.
Due to these vulnerabilities and the Punakaiki water supply’s large storage tanks, dosing with chlorine is necessary for compliance with the regulations, ensuring safe drinking water.
Chlorination is a legal requirement under the Water Services Act 2021, and no further consultation will be undertaken.
The chlorination process was funded through Buller District Council’s Long Term and Annual Plans. It was initially planned for financial year 2022/23 but was carried over to 2024/25 to complete due to insufficient funds.
Chlorination of the Punakaiki Water Supply was completed in March 2025 and the upgrade has aligned the supply with New Zealand’s Water Services Act 2021 and the Drinking Water Quality Assurance Rules (DWAQR).
Council acknowledges that this transition has required the community to make adjustments, and sincerely thanks Punakaiki residents for their patience, cooperation, and understanding throughout this process.
Ensuring a safe and compliant drinking water supply remains a top priority for council, and the community’s support has been invaluable in achieving this milestone.
Punakaiki water's journey - from treatment plant to tap
Find answers to your questions
We understand Punakaiki residents will have questions about the chlorination process.
Have a read of our Frequently Asked Questions here. This information is also available in hard copy for collection from our Westport office.
Those interested can also subscribe to our water supply updates by signing up to Buller District Council’s email list and selecting the Punakaiki option.
Buller District Council thanks Punakaiki residents for their cooperation and patience during this process.
