An update from Councillor David Whyte and Mayor Aksel:
At the start of this triennium, we committed to address the brown water issue in Raahui Pookeka Huntly, adding support to ward councillor David Whyte whose work has had this focus for the past three years. There is work underway to improve long standing water discolouration issues in Raahui Pookeka Huntly, this updates you of our progress
Discoloured water is caused by naturally occurring iron and manganese in the Waikato River source, influenced by flows from the Mangawara Stream. The current water treatment process does not fully capture these minerals. The process of adding chlorine, as a protective barrier to kill germs and bacteria in the network, can cause the iron manganese to come out of solution and the iron manganese then builds up inside pipes. Changes in pressure within the pipes can then cause that build up to appear as brown water at the tap.
While the water remains safe to drink and meets health standards, we know it looks unpleasant and is frustrating.
Progress in water quality improvements already delivered includes:
- More than 4,000 metres of ageing water pipe renewed since 2021, with a further 7,000 metres planned this financial year
- Booster pump station upgrades to stabilise pressure across the network
- Two full NO DES specialist cleaning passes of the network, completed in August and September 2025 and February 2026, and are now planned to take place regularly for the rest of this year
In March 2026, Watercare will award the contract to upgrade the Huntly Water Treatment Plant. This upgrade will remove the iron and manganese from the source water. This upgrade is expected to deliver significant improvement within the next 24 months.
Longer term, through the draft IAWAI Water Services Strategy, a new sub regional water treatment plant based in Ngaaruawaahia is planned from 2029. This will serve Hamilton, Ngaaruawaahia and Raahui Pookeka Huntly and represents an estimated $60 to $80 million investment.
We know this has been frustrating. The important point is we are not standing still. Network renewal, pressure stabilisation and treatment upgrades are all underway.
Residents should already be seeing improvement, and more is coming but if you see brown water, please report it promptly via 0800 492 452 or the Antenno app so crews can respond quickly.
