Future-Proofing Water Supply for Omakau

The Omakau water supply reservoir is set to receive a significant upgrade, with Central Otago District Council investing in improvements to boost storage resilience and support future growth.

The project will expand the current reservoir capacity from 180m³ to 540m³ by adding 12 new 30m³ tanks to the existing six.

This threefold increase in storage capacity will provide greater operational flexibility, allowing the water treatment plant to remain offline for longer periods during storm events or reticulation mains failures, without compromising supply to residents.

“This investment is a proactive step to ensure our communities have a reliable and robust water supply system,” CODC Water Services Operations Manager, Andrew Watson said.

“The additional storage not only strengthens our ability to respond to emergencies but also supports the long-term growth and development of Omakau.”

The reservoir expansion is the first stage of a wider programme of improvements to the Omakau/Ophir water supply scheme.

Investigations are currently underway into upgrading the water treatment plant, with the goal of further enhancing water quality, operational efficiency and service resilience to meet future demand.

Council’s water services contractor, TRILITY, has started work on the project, with the tank pad now under construction. The new tanks have been ordered and installation is expected to be complete by mid-October.

“The Council appreciates everyone’s continued support as we work to deliver safe, reliable drinking water for all our communities,” Mr Watson said.

For more information, please contact the Water Services Team at water@codc.govt.nz or (03) 440 0056.