Ohakune water scheme

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 39, 11 March 1986, Page 1

Ohakune water scheme

Ohakune's water supply, described by the Health Department as "probably New Zealand's most potentially dangerous water supply," is to be upgraded with a new water treatment plant. The Ohakune Borough Council have accepted in principle a proposal by consulting engineers, Payne Sewell Ltd, and asked that they submit the $490,000 proposal for approval to the Health Department. the council accepted the proposal at a special meeting of full council last Wednesday when consulting engineer Tom Payne answered questions on his firm's proposals. Principal Inspector of Health, Don Cairns, from Wanganui, also attended the meeting. Mr Cairns told councillors that recent bacteriological samples taken from the

water showed increasing levels of pollution. Ohakune water has received the lowest E grading, in the last two five-yearly grading exercises by the Department of Health. In their proposal to council, Payne Sewell Ltd reported an 'unquestioned need'for disinfection against microbiological organisms and said chlorine gas for disinfection and caustic soda for Ph correction would be required. their report recommended a wood stave reservoir which has a guaranteed life of 20 years, as opposed to a concrete tank which would have a longer life, but would cost more than twice as much. The council is entitled to a 37 per cent subsidy based on population at the last census. The next finance and administration committee meeting is to decide where to find the remaining $300,000.