Latest Updates

26 February 2025

With the taste and odour issues from Tutaenui Reservoir water increasing in response to the weather we've had in recent weeks, there’s been more interest in what’s happening with the Marton Water Strategy, which is understandable. Council will be receiving an update at today’s meeting that we've like to catch you up on.

In our last update back in November, we mentioned how we had taken an extra step to ensure the quality of water coming from the Tutaenui Road Bore, located next to the Marton Water Treatment Plant.

A small trial treatment process was installed and operated inside the Marton Water Treatment Plant to simulate how a new treatment process would work to appropriately treat the groundwater. This trial has confirmed in detail the types of equipment that will be needed to treat the bore water when it becomes the main source of water for Marton.

What are the next steps?

In March we’ll be moving the trial treatment plant to the Tutaenui Reservoir Bore site to begin further testing. We anticipate that testing of the water from this bore will take 8 – 12 weeks.

Some people have raised concerns about the infrastructure on site, specifically power for the trial treatment plant. A shed has been built on site next to the bore which will ultimately be used in the operation of the new bore at this site. Next to that shed is a shipping container and that has the power connections that we need to operate the trial treatment plant at this location.

The project team will be erecting security fencing before the trial treatment plant is operational to ensure the safety of those exploring the reservoir and surrounds.

There is a small sampling pump on the bore that will allow the testing to proceed, and we’ve nearly completed the design of the permanent pump and new pipework along Tutaenui Rd that will enter the treatment plant site.

We anticipate that we’ll be able to give you more updates over the next few months as the work towards completion ramps up, in time for the new water to be flowing through your taps before next spring.

We know it's been a long journey with some delays. Rest assured the project team are working at pace to complete this important project that will future-proof Marton's drinking water for generations.

2 October 2024

Up at the Marton Water Treatment Plant we have a trial treatment plant that has been running for twelve weeks, which is being monitored for operating efficiencies and treatment capabilities. The next step will be to move it to Tutaenui Reservoir where the new bore has been drilled, so you may notice some mahi going on over the next few weeks in preparation for the move.

We’ll be gathering data and test results from the bores to ensure we have confidence around the trial plant’s effectiveness in treating the new water supply.

“Why can’t you just treat the water the same way that it’s treated now?”

Water from a bore is very different to the water that comes from rivers, lakes and reservoirs. It has a different mixture of minerals and suspended material than you would find in surface water which means the treatment used also needs to be different.

We have approximately eight to twelve weeks of testing of the trial plant at the reservoir to do, and once we’ve completed this and analysed the results, we'll be able to move forward with the upgrading works of the full-scale treatment plant.

This does mean that there will be a delay in the completion date of the project. Construction of the new treatment system will begin before the end of this year with a goal of completing it by mid-2025. The delay will not cost ratepayers extra, as the overall budget for the project is not impacted.

The trial plant is an extra process that we’ve decided to take to ensure that the treatment system has been fully tested for operating efficiencies, drinking water quality, discharge water quantity and quality, including gathering a good understanding around operating costs.

Once the project is complete, Marton residents will be able to enjoy a much better water supply for years to come.

25 January 2024

The production bore has been established at its final depth of 299m, and that work was completed in October 2023. Staff are expecting final pump testing results by the end of January, which will see the completion of the bore.

Staff are now working with two engineering companies to establish which of the two treatment processes will be the most suitable and cost-efficient process for Marton based on the water quality. This is taking longer than hoped for and an engagement of one of the parties is expected by February 2024.This makes the goal of a new operational treatment plant by December 2024 a lot more challenging to achieve.

However, some residents have noticed an improved difference in the quality of the water coming through their taps since the Marton Water Supply Strategy has been underway, and once completed, Marton will be provided with pleasant tasting and smelling potable water.

December 23 2022

The worksite for the new borehole at Tutaenui Reserve will close over the Christmas period and will recommence on Monday 16th January 2023.

September 08 2022

Work to improve the consistency of drinking water in Marton is moving ahead at pace with Rangitīkei District Council commencing the drilling of a new borehole at Tūtaenui Reserve.