Management of Wastewater

Council’s wastewater treatment plants are monitored by a telemetry system, which sends data to a centralised SCADA computer. When problems occur, like power cuts or machinery failure, the computer sends out emails and alerts to Council officers’ phones so they can address the issue. The SCADA computer also allows Council Officers to log in and view how the treatment process is doing at any one of Council’s treatment plants 24/7.

Our commitment

All wastewater treatment plants in Horowhenua will eventually discharge treated wastewater to land rather than waterways – the Foxton plant is in the process of being moved to a land-based system and planning work has started on a proposal to move the Tokomaru plant to a land-based system.

Council is committed to land-based discharges as part of its commitment to improving the waterways of our district, including its commitment to the Manawatū River Leaders’ Accord – you can find out more about the Accord on the Manawatū River Leaders' Accord website.

Independent oversight

All wastewater treatment plants require resource management consents to operate – Horizons Regional Council is the regulatory body that oversees consents for the treatment plants in Horowhenua. If you have an issue or a concern, please contact 0508 800 800.

Septic tanks

All homes and businesses that are not connected to wastewater treatment plants must have their own septic tank systems or on-site treatment. A resource consent is required to install a septic tank - you can find out more details by contacting our Consents Team by emailing enquiries@horowhenua.govt.nz.

It is the responsibility of the owner of the tank to arrange for and pay for the servicing of septic tanks.