Rāwene and Ōmanaia communities asked to conserve water

Residents in Rāwene and Ōmanaia are being asked to conserve water over the next 48 hours as the Ōmanaia Water Treatment Plant recovers from operational issues caused by recent heavy rain.

The Ōmanaia Water Treatment Plant was temporarily shut down overnight (27 March) after the intake from the Petaka Stream became blocked with sediment and debris washed in by the heavy rainfall. Our contractor has cleared the obstruction, and the plant’s raw water tank is now being refilled.

However, inflow to the plant remains very dirty and will take time to process. Plant operators are carrying out testing and monitoring before bringing the plant back into full production to ensure water quality standards are met.

Reservoir levels are currently low, with Ōmanaia sitting at 43 per cent and Rāwene at 63 per cent. These levels will take time to recover while the treatment plant ramps back up.

We’re asking residents in the Ōmanaia and Rāwene supply areas to please use water sparingly until further notice. Reducing non‑essential use will help maintain supply for essential household needs while treatment operations stabilise.

Taking shorter showers, deferring clothes and dish washing, and flushing only when necessary are effective ways to reduce water consumption. These simple steps will help ensure there is enough water available for drinking, hygiene, and emergency services while the plant recovers.

We will continue to provide updates as the situation progresses.

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Main image: Petaka Stream intake blocked with debris, 28 March