New UV System Installed to Treat Water

Pukekohe and Pokeno residents have a new UV disinfection system for their water supply. The spring water in Pukekohe, and the spring and bore water at Pokeno, are now exposed to UV light.

The UV treats bugs (previously treated through filtration systems) which are not killed by chlorine. UV disinfection is a recently accepted form of treatment which helps to ensure the water is safe to drink when it reaches you. It also helps Franklin District Council meet drinking water compliance standards set by the Ministry of Health.

“UV disinfection doesn’t add chemicals or create any by-products in the water. However it ensures that bugs, if present in the water, can’t harm you. Council added the UV protection to continue providing you with drinkable, healthy water,” says Franklin District Council’s Asset Manager for Water and Wastewater, Robert Workman.

Franklin District Council is responsible for providing safe drinkable water to homes and businesses in 13 different areas throughout the District. To do this 13 separate treatment plants are managed and maintained, 350 kilometres of pipe is maintained, 13,391 metered connections are read and the users sent an account.

“Council wants to ensure we have the infrastructure to get water to you and provide improvements in the quality of water supplied. Water from a spring is the most at risk of surface contamination bugs. The other water supplies in Franklin are bore water supplies and therefore do not need the same UV treatment. In Pukekohe and Pokeno however the UV system is a cost effective method of treating water,” says Robert.