In 2020, Council made the decision to chlorinate Reefton’s water supply in order to provide for residual disinfection.
Water is currently drawn from a bore adjacent to the Inangahua River and pumped to the water treatment plant at The Strand where it is pushed through a series of filters, treated by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and then distributed through the reticulation to consumers.
However, Council has deemed that inadequate for compliance under Drinking Water Standards New Zealand 2018.
The activation of network chlorination will take place by June 2023. In the meantime, Council is consulting with experts on the best way to roll out the chlorination programme. Council will make sure its planning and commissioning phases are methodical and well-informed in the lead up to activation, and then operate the system to best practice standards which means minimum free available chlorine (FAC) levels that still meet compliance. Correct dosing is the key difference between successful and unsuccessful chlorination.
Council is committed to regular community updates and opportunities to discuss how to prepare for chlorination and especially what to expect in the early stages. The aim is to provide good information and advice to reduce the likelihood of water quality issues as much as possible.