Ohakune water, 1945-1992

Ruapehu Bulletin, 11 August 1992, Page 11

Ohakune water, 1945-1992

The history of Ohakune's town water supply goes back to about 1945 when a proposal to install a high pressure supply was first seriously considered. This would have cost £26,000. In 1957 the ball got rolling again and a proposal to take water from

the Serpentine Stream, near the McLean's Clearing (Mangawhero Camp Ground) was put. At that time the council was "concerned to have a continually pure supply, and free from discolouration during flood".

The water catchment area was acquired and the intake and pipe system installed. The estimated cost of this project was put at £57,750. By 1962 the reticulation system was installed. Later, the catchment

land was taken over by the Lands and Survey Department and included in the Tongariro National Park, on the condition that the town be allowed to continue taking water from the area. In 1973 (coinciding with the establishment

of the Ohakune Sewerage Treatment System which is a short duck's flight from the Serpentine - coincidence?) the Health Department advised the council that its water was below acceptable drinking standards and that it must be treated. Various schemes were

looked at, including extending the pipe to the spring further up the mountain. Since then the parasite giardia has arrived, and the bug was found in the pool right at the spring 's exit from the ground. This option was also ruled out because the flow was not adequate.