A state-of-the art infrastructure upgrade to Raglan’s existing Wastewater Treatment Plant officially opened today, discharging near drinking quality treated wastewater.
The purpose of the upgrade is to ensure safe and efficient wastewater treatment, while providing scalability to support projected regional growth, and enable a flexible solution for future discharge consent.
The original WWTP, based on oxidation pond technology, had reached the end of its effective service life. To address performance and compliance issues, Waikato District Council in partnership with Waikato Watercare, initiated a major infrastructure upgrade of the plant.
The upgrade aligns with the Waikato 2070 Growth Strategy and reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship, infrastructure resilience, and long-term catchment planning.
After seven years of consultation with the community and mana whenua, construction commenced in January 2024. The new plant features industry-leading Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) system coupled with Membrane Aerated Biofilm Reactor (MABR) technology
The MBR will deliver high-quality treated wastewater through enhanced nitrogen and pathogen removal, energy efficiency, and scalability to meet projected demand. It can now treat up top 6,000 cubic metres of wastewater per day.
The final treated wastewater undergoes ultraviolet (UV) disinfection before being discharged. This process eliminates remaining pathogens without chemicals, ensuring the treated wastewater meets high environmental and public health standards.
The old (now retained) oxidation ponds continue to provide storm buffering capacity, ensuring the system remains resilient and continues operating effectively during extreme weather.
Chief Executive Craig Hobbs said the investment into this technology demonstrated the Council’s commitment to Raglan’s future growth and meets the needs of the community on sustainability.
“The plant can meet and adapt to seasonal populational change, which is incredibly important for Raglan as a domestic and international tourist destination. The influx of people around the summer periods and long holiday weekends, often created pressure points with the old plant struggling to keep up.
“This modern plant delivers a future-proof infrastructure solution and reduces the need for short-term upgrades and meets the community’s and the district’s projected growth to 2070.
“It improves treated wastewater quality resulting in healthier ecosystems and waterways. This helps protect our moana, the beaches everyone loves in Raglan and contributes to the long-term sustainability of this local treasure,” Mr Hobbs added.
The upgraded plant was officially opened today [Tuesday, 5 August] by Council and Waikato Watercare and was blessed by tangata whenua.
