Work has begun on a new $4.6 million membrane treatment plant for the Mt Somers water supply, and it should spell the end of boil water notices for the township.

Mt Somers is currently on a boil water notice because the existing plant cannot effectively treat the turbid water caused by last weekend’s heavy rain. New membrane filter equipment to be installed will be able to handle the turbid water.

Chief Executive Hamish Riach said the new plant was being built on reserve land at Ashburton Gorge Road and the area had already been fenced off as part of site preparations.

“Mason Engineers has the contract to do the work, and they are the same company we are using to build the new Methven/Methven-Springfield membrane treatment plant.”

Ashburton Contracting Limited has been subcontracted to do the civil works, and McIntosh Commercial Construction will do the structural works, including a new building for the membrane equipment and other plant.

The project involves the supply, installation and commissioning of membranes for the new water treatment facility.

“Once completed, the project will deliver an uninterrupted supply of clean water to Mt Somers and will see the end of boil water notices,” Mr Riach said.

“Locals will notice our contractors working on the site over the next eight months and we are hoping to connect the water supply in the new year.

“This means that even in heavy rain events, water coming into the plant will be able to be treated to the high standards required and delivered to households.”