Horowhenua District Council has confirmed the next phase of upgrades to the Levin Water Treatment Plant, as part of its long-term investment in safe and reliable drinking water for the community.
Levin’s drinking water comes from the Ōhau River. On a typical day, the community uses around 10,000m³ of water. During hot summer periods, demand can increase to as much as 13,000m³.
The planned upgrades include refurbishment of existing pressure filters and the delivery of a clarifier bypass and standby UV system in the 2026/27 financial year.
Mayor Bernie Wanden says the investment will help ensure the district’s water infrastructure continues to meet the needs of a growing community.
“We want to make sure our communities have safe, reliable drinking water now and into the future. As Horowhenua grows, we need infrastructure people can depend on every day.”
Horowhenua is one of the fastest-growing districts in New Zealand, with a population of around 37,500 projected to increase to more than 66,000 by 2054. As demand increases, continued investment in water infrastructure is essential.
Mayor Wanden says the upgrades are part of a wider programme of work Council is delivering across the district.
“We know some infrastructure improvements were delayed in the past to help manage costs for ratepayers. Through our long-term planning, we’re now addressing those needs in a staged and balanced way, improving reliability while remaining mindful of affordability.”
Filter refurbishment work has now begun, with Tarros (Max Tarr Group) on site. This work will strengthen the resilience of Levin’s water supply and support future growth. Refurbishing the pressure filters will improve performance and extend the life of critical infrastructure.
Mayor Wanden says investing now will support the district for decades to come.
“This is about making sure our essential services are fit for purpose, not just for today, but for future generations. These upgrades will help improve system resilience and ensure our community has the water it needs, even during peak demand or challenging conditions.”
Council will stage the work carefully to minimise disruption and will keep the community informed as the project progresses.