The residents of one Rangitikei town are opting for trucked-in water as a long-standing issue with the taste and smell of its tap water continues to frustrate locals.
Since February 18, the Rangitīkei District Council has been bringing a water tanker from into the town of Marton on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from nearby Hunterville.
One resident described the state of the town’s water as “terrible”.
“You can’t drink it, you can’t shower in it, or wash your clothes.”
Another said: “Over the years, I’d go to the pub and I’d sit there with a beer, and someone would walk in and I’d know they’d just had a shower – you can smell it.”
But Marton’s water meets national drinking water standards. Regulator Taumata Arowai primarily focuses on preventing waterborne diseases rather than taste and odour issues.
Rangitīkei District Mayor Andy Watson said the community had long raised concerns about the quality of the town’s drinking water – having affected the town for decades.
“The first thing I’ll say is it’s absolutely safe to drink.”
He said the smell and discolouration residents described came and went.
“It’s associated with an algal bloom, usually associated with warmer weather.”
As the algae breaks down, a compound named geosmin is released into the water, giving Marton’s water its poor taste and smell.
Watson said the council had been “very proactive” about the issue, setting aside $11 million to move to an alternate supply of groundwater.
“In spite of all the conversations about Local Water Done Well, and before that Three Waters from the previous government, we took a stance to say we need to upgrade these plants.”
A new bore water source has been constructed next to the existing Tutaenui Reservoir, with a trial treatment plant currently testing and refining proposed options.
“We’re expecting a gradual switch-over to the new water source will happen from mid-2025 and prior to that, we’ll be flushing the mains throughout town to remove any sediments that may have built up in the system over the years,” the council said.
“Once this is done, it will mean consistent, better tasting and odour-free drinking water all year round.”
Q+A with Jack Tame is made with the support of New Zealand On Air
