Maheno was officially connected to the Ōamaru water supply last week, meaning more than 80 households in the township are now supplied with water that meets the New Zealand drinking water standards.

Maheno Water Committee volunteers operated and maintained the supply over many years, but the new Water Services Act 2021 and tougher standards made it increasingly difficult and costly for them to continue, a Waitaki District Council spokesperson said.

Following a request from the committee, the council took over ownership and management of the supply on July 1.

Since then council contractor SouthRoads has been operating the supply while also constructing a new pipeline to connect Maheno to the Ōamaru supply via the “Hamnak” pipeline, which supplies water from Ōamaru south to Moeraki.

After successful pressure testing, staff were given the all-clear to switch the supply over last Monday (October 2).

Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher said it is “a sign of the times” that health standards, environmental standards and the cost of supplying drinking water have all increased significantly.

“That has caused water schemes such as Maheno to seek council help, despite their committee’s wonderful strong history of self-reliance and maintaining good standards. I’m pleased our team has been able to step up and provide this service when they needed it most.”