The Ashburton District's drinking, stormwater and wastewater services will be managed by Ashburton Contracting Limited (ACL) for the next five years, after the Council awarded the incumbent company its treatment, network operations, and maintenance contract.

The Council made the announcement today following a competitive tender and evaluation process, which included a statutory cost-effectiveness review of the service.

Council Chief Executive Hamish Riach says through this exercise, the Council was able to test the market and achieve a competitive price for ratepayers.

"We're delighted to award the three waters maintenance and operations contract to ACL. They made a compelling bid for what are crucial core services that residents rely on.

"Following on from the review and the tender process, it was very pleasing to achieve both cost savings and an improved level of service for Council and the community."

The $9.8 million contract will commence on 1 July 2020.​