Development has been limited in the towns of Kumeu - Huapai and Riverhead because these towns only have onsite wastewater treatment and disposal systems. A number of independent public health and environmental reports have found many systems don’t work properly because of small section sizes, unsuitable soils and poor maintenance. These factors can have adverse effects on the environment and create a health hazard when wastewater seeps into gardens, streets and streams.
To address these problems a public wastewater network for Kumeu - Huapai and Riverhead is planned and is expected to be operating from December 2011. This network would be owned and maintained by Watercare Services.
$16.7 million is budgeted to develop the public wastewater network for these towns. This would be funded entirely from development contributions from people connecting to the network. Contributions may be from existing residents who choose to connect to the public network or from new properties.
A certain number of connections are needed from 'day one' to make the scheme viable.
Finding a better wastewater system
18 different options for a reticulated wastewater network for Kumeu - Huapai and Riverhead were developed by the Council and presented to and considered by the community between 2002-7.
Based on feedback received about cost effectiveness and benefits to the environment, a Pressure Wastewater Collection system (PWC) was selected in 2008 as the preferred option.
In certain parts of the Rodney District the PWC system is the only one that may be used if you wish to connect to the public wastewater network. Maps showing the areas where PWC is the only available option are available online.
Pressure Wastewater Collection (PWC) System Explained
A Pressure Wastewater Collection (PWC) system collects wastewater and delivers it through a pressurised pump on the property to a wastewater treatment plant. Using a PWC system means:
- no potential health risks from faulty on site disposal systems;
- PWC users annual wastewater rates are 25% less than other wastewater systems to offset maintainance costs;
- maintainance costs (generally covered by household insurance) are low with an average pump life of 25 years;
- quicker access to reticulated wastewater services;
- wastewater disposal has less impact on the environment as: PWC systems use smaller bore pipes so there is less ground excavation, it allows no stormwater infiltration; and removes the need for multiple expensive pumping stations;
- an increase in your property valuation because of the above factors.
Pressure wastewater collection systems are a proven solution and have been used extensively in the United States and Europe for more than 30 years, and more recently in Australia. Rotorua is one of the districts in New Zealand which has successfully installed PWC systems.
Read our frequently asked questions for more information on PWC and how the system works.
During 2008, 170 property owners in the Point Wells area installed PWC systems at their own cost with positive results.
The PWC system on a property is owned by the landowner who pays for the pump, its installation and maintenance.
The Council has a financial assistance package for PWC. This assistance includes a 25% reduction in wastewater rates. A PWC homeowners manual is also available. You will also receive a manual from the installer on your PWC system.