Council is enlisting the help of wastewater engineering experts to develop a wastewater strategy that will protect and serve both the community and the environment over the next few decades.

It will include assessing current wastewater flows and predicted demand, as well as extending wastewater services into Hinds and Mt Somers, stormwater infiltration into the wastewater network at Tinwald, and disposal options for treated wastewater from the Ashburton scheme.

Wastewater includes what is flushed down toilets, and household water from showers, dishwashers and washing machines.

Group Manager of Infrastructure and Open Spaces Neil McCann said Council was currently asking specialist consultants to register interest in developing the wastewater strategy.

“Ideally we’d like to identify some projects by Christmas so they can be built into the 2026-27 Annual Plan and budget.”

The wastewater strategy would be a living document and updated in the future for significant changes.

How councils deliver water services has been changed by the Government, with national compliance rules for drinking water and soon for wastewater.

Ashburton District has three wastewater treatment plants, with Ashburton and Rakaia undergoing upgrades in recent years. These three schemes service about 65 per cent of the district’s population.

Mr McCann said the strategy wasn’t about assessing the existing plants, but making recommendations for the future, including prioritising pipe renewals, keeping up with technology improvements and how to keep up with anticipated future changes in demand and in consents and regulations.

“Essentially we want subject matter experts to look at the challenges of our systems and define the impact of legislation and regulations we know are coming for wastewater. That will involve assessing current wastewater flows and loads, and forecasting growth and demand.

“This will be a tactical action plan for the next 30 years and a roadmap for future investment.”

It is hoped the strategy work could begin in October.