Drinking Waters FAQs

The experience of 'dirty water' is due to the presence of minute amounts of soluble compounds of iron and manganese that gradually builds up as a coating on the pipe wall. When the normal flow of water is disrupted for any reason – such as during a maintenance shutdown, a sudden break in the pipeline or use of the street fire hydrant – the iron and manganese is re-suspended in the water, causing a brown discoloration.

The water is still completely safe even though its appearance might suggest otherwise.

Usually, the discoloration will gradually clear of its own accord but in severe instances, we may need to assist residents by flushing the mains in the street to restore clear water. 

Please let us know if you are experiencing discoloration issues by calling us anytime on 06 857 8060 so that we can assist you.

During re-filling of the water main after repairs or maintenance, some air may be trapped. This is dissolved in the water under pressure and when released forms fine bubbles of air. This is the white colour that is seen. Leave some water standing in a clear glass and the white colour should disappear after a short time.

This may be due to air trapped in the pipe under pressure, which expands suddenly when the tap is turned on. The solution is to leave several cold water taps just turned on slightly, allowing the trapped air to be safely bled from the line. 

If the problem persists, please contact us anytime on 06 857 8060.

It's a good idea to check your household appliances first. Something as simple as a washer on the kettle that has deteriorated can cause an unpleasant taste. We may need to flush the water mains or check for a valve inadvertently left turned off. Sometimes you may need to seek help from your plumber if normal checks and remedies do not clear the issue. If you are new to the district, the water may be a different taste to what you are used to.

Please contact us anytime on 06 8578060 if you are still having issues and our team will help you.

You can contact our team anytime on 06 857 8060 and we will advise you on your next step. 

Yes. We will fix leaking tobies at the boundary of your property; however, if your toby is within your property boundary (i.e. near your house), you will need to call a plumber to fix it.

Water leaks that occur on private property are the responsibility of the property owner. You will need to call your plumber to arrange a repair.

Waipukurau water is drawn from three shallow bores within the Tukituki River gravels. The water is disinfected by the addition of chlorine gas to the water at the reservoir.

Water is pumped from a single bore located at the bottom (north-eastern) end of Meta Street into tanks beside the pump station. The water has a relatively high manganese content that requires treatment to remove. The water is disinfected by the addition of chlorine gas to the water at the pump station.

The water sources are shallow ground water bores adjacent to the Waipawa River. The water is disinfected with chlorine gas, which takes place at the pump stations. Water is supplied to Ōtāne via a dedicated pipeline from the Waipawa reservoirs.

There is only one source of water in Pōrangahau, a shallow bore beside the Pōrangahau Country Club golf course. Water is pumped from the bore to storage tanks on Old Hill Road above the township. The water has a high iron content, which requires treatment to remove. The water is disinfected by the addition of chlorine gas to the water at the pump station.

At Kairakau, water is drawn from two separate sources - a bore and a spring - and is stored in two raw water tanks. Prior to entering the containerised water treatment plant, the raw water passes through a filtration process and softening system. The treatment process includes UV and gas chlorination. This treated water is then pumped up to treated water tanks located on the side of the hill above town.  

The water source is a spring on Ouepoto Station, which is tapped and the water gravity fed to storage tanks at the camping ground. At the camping ground, the water is chlorinated and stored ready for use. 

We do NOT allow water to be taken from water hydrants except for firefighting purposes or by special arrangement. For more information on standpipes in Central Hawke's Bay, contact our team any time on 06 857 8060. 

Taking water from Council's supply other than at points authorised by permit is considered to be a breach of the our Water Supply Bylaw. Failure to comply with the bylaw is an offence and is liable to a fine of up to $20,000.

Council has two standpipes available for customers who wish to extract water for use on development sites, road and contract works, landscaping and whenever access to water is limited. These standpipes are located on Racecourse Road in Waipukurau and Waverley St in Waipawa.

The cages to these standpipes are locked and access is granted on application by permit only. The terms and conditions of using these standpipes are included in our permit application. If you require access to the standpipes, please complete and submit this application form.