Works and Network Utility Indicators (what we measure)

Overview

Council aims to provide effective and environmentally efficient water, stormwater and sewage reticulation and treatment to meet the needs of our communities. Council provides network utilities to houses and businesses within the district.

Works and network utilities provide services essential to our social and economic well being, and to our health and safety. Other utilities in our district include electricity and telecommunications.

While there are positive effects to infrastructure, works and network utilities may potentially have some negative effects on the community and our environment. These are addressed through resource consent conditions that aim to remedy, mitigate and avoid any adverse effects of activities. There could also be negative social, economic and environmental effects if these works and infrastructure services were not provided.

A summary of our situation

Water

The total quantity of water being consumed in Matamata-Piako District has remained largely unchanged since 2013/14, when it peaked, after having fluctuated in the six years prior.

In 2007/08 and 2008/09, due to extremely dry weather, sprinkler bans were instigated for approximately one month over summer during both years. In 2009/10 water restrictions were not required as a result of responsible water use during the dry summer months. In 2010/11 restrictions lasted for three weeks but there were no restrictions in 2011/12. In the three years 2012/13 to 2014/15 there were again water restrictions resulting from drought conditions. The restrictions related to either dwindling raw water sources or short term peak demands during the height of summer.  Although a ‘conserve’ water reminder was issued in 2015/16, there were water restrictions for 2016/17. Between the 31 January and the 16 April 2019, there were 75 days of water restriction.

An upgrade to the Matamata water treatment plant took place in 2008/09 and further plant and water capacity upgrades were completed throughout the entire district in the 2011/12 years. 

The Te Aroha water supply is adequate for residential growth, in 2019 Te Aroha West was connected to the Te Aroha's threated reticulation system.  However, if water consumption by industrial users increases significantly, upgrading of treatment facilities will be required. Council budgeted $2 million in 2016/17 for the Te Aroha Water Treatment Plant capacity expansion project. The progression of this project is dependent on demand from industrial consumers, which has not yet been established.