Three Waters - FACT BOX
WASTEWATER
- There are 7,484 properties in Tokoroa, Putaruru, Tirau and Arapuni townships that are connected to Council’s wastewater systems.
- The system includes four wastewater treatment plants, 18 pump stations, 3,232 manholes and 215 kilometres of pipes.
- The replacement value of our wastewater infrastructure assets is $125 million (30 June 2022).
- Over the course of the current Long Term Plan (LTP) 2021-31, Council has budgeted for $24.833 million investment into wastewater.
WATER
- There are 293km of water pipes in our underground water supply network. We have nine water sources (bores and/or springs), six water treatment plants and 11 reservoirs. Our network also includes 1,738 valves and 1,138 fire hydrants.
- We drew 2,127,853 cubic metres (m3) of water from the Tokoroa bore last year, 409,802 m3 from Te Waihou spring, 516,367 m3 from the Glenshea bore, with 185,167 m3 from Tirau and 64,899 m3 from Arapuni.
- The replacement value of our water infrastructure assets is $90 million (30 June 2022).
- Over the course of the current Long Term Plan (LTP) 2021-31, Council has budgeted for $22.471 million investment into water.
STORMWATER
- There are 123km of open drains and piped drains across the district.
- There are 11 retention dams/ponds.
- The replacement value of our stormwater infrastructure assets is $83 million (30 June 2022).
- Over the course of the current Long Term Plan (LTP) 2021-31, Council has budgeted for $9.176 million investment into water.
FINANCIAL
SWDC has invested significantly in wastewater and water supply over the years and going forward out to 30 years. SWDC is well placed for the future. SWDC has under-invested in stormwater. The current Long Term Plan addresses this issue.
We are due to receive future funding – Tranche 1 in 2022 of $4.64 million and Tranche 2 in 2024 of $13.92 million.
Further potential funding will be forth coming but the amount is currently unknown as it will be reliant on what our waters debt is relative to our total debt as at 30 June 2024. At South Waikato, this ratio is low when compared to other councils and hence we expect to receive a payment to ensure that we are “no worse off” after the assets and liabilities are transferred. SWDC has already stated to DIA that it is unfair for us to be treated less favourably that other councils ie our ‘no worse off’ payment brings us back to the same debt/revenue ratio as before the transfer, while other Councils that have its debt repaid could be in a significantly better off position after the transfer.