The Buller District Council maintains and operates domestic water supplies at Little Wanganui subdivision, Mokihinui, Hector/Ngakawau, Waimangaroa, Westport/Carters Beach, Reefton, Punakaiki and the Cape Foulwind (rural water supply). The Westport and Punakaiki supplies are potable, with the remaining supplies being untreated.
The Buller District water supplies are collected from a variety of different sources. The Westport water supply is from a creek catchment in the hills behind Westport and is transferred to the reservoirs by a series of underground tunnels and water races. These tunnels combined, are over 1,900 metres in length and were constructed around 1903, which in those days was a remarkable feat. The water is then coagulated for colour removal, treated with lime for Ph adjustment and chlorinated.
Other supplies, such as the Reefton supply, are drawn from natural subterranean sources and are left untreated. The Punakaiki water supply is drawn from a creek in the hills and is filtered and sterilised by ultra violet light.
Westport residents use about 5 million litres of water per day. Council's role as water supplier to the region involves operating 2 water treatment plants and 2 pumping stations.
If any water problems are encountered, or for any queries, please contact:
| WestReef Services Ltd | Phone: | 03 789 7997 |
| Buller District Council | Phone: | 03 788 9117 (Westport Office) 03 788 9119 (after hours) |
| Phone: | 03 732 8821 (Reefton Office) 03 732 8092 (after hours) |
The Ministry of Health has urged councils to make residents aware that some plumbing fittings have the potential to allow minute traces metals to accumulate in water standing in the fittings for several hours.
Although the health risk is small, the Ministry of Health recommends that you flush a mugful of water from your drinking water tap each morning before use to remove any metals that may have corroded from the plumbing fittings.
The Ministry of Health recommends this simple precaution to all households, including those on public and private water supplies.
Water is essential for many processes in life; a human can survive for only a few days without consuming water. Apart from drinking, we use water in many other ways such as washing clothes, dishes and ourselves.
Water is a valuable resource and demands on its usage are always increasing. Even in places renowned for rain (like the West Coast) it is important that we don't unnecessarily waste water. Below are a few water conservation hints that can help to save water.
Economise - Be aware of the amount of water you use, and look for ways to use less. For instance, don't leave the water running when you wash, shave and brush your teeth.
Maintenance - A leaking tap can waste more than 350 litres of water each day. Check your taps and replace worn washers or valve seats as needed. Use low flow shower heads, aerators or flow restrictors. For older toilets, install a toilet dam or displacement device such as a weighted plastic jug in your tank.
Save outdoors - Water your lawn or gardens only when it needs it. Landscape with trees and shrubs that require less water. If you use a sprinkler, make sure it is aimed correctly at your garden and that you are not watering your footpath!
