Move to Wellington Water – FAQs
Who is running the water services in South Wairarapa?
South Wairarapa District Council sets the performance standards for water services in the District, which are delivered by Wellington Water. SWDC is a joint owner of Wellington Water and Wellington Water reports to the Council on its performance. Wellington Water also advises the Council on investment priorities in its planning processes.
I have an issue with my water supply/drainage on the road outside etc? Who do I contact?
The Council on 06 306 9611, and select option 6. Same as always, the Council should be your first point of contact with any service issues related to water.
Who do I call if a pipe bursts?
The Council on 06 306 9611, and select option 6. Same as you would always do.
I logged a water job with council last week. Who do I contact to get an update?
The Council on 06 306 9611. All service queries should go through Council, because that will ensure we can keep track of them.
The issue I reported three weeks ago hasn’t been fixed. Will it now pass to Wellington Water?
Yes. That will happen ‘behind the scenes’, and you can follow up on your query by contacting the Council as usual.
Will I have to wait for help to come from Wellington if a pipe bursts?
No. All Wellington Water service delivery people will be located in the Wairarapa.
Who do I complain to if I’m not happy with work done by Wellington Water?
You can raise any issues you have with service you’ve received by contacting Council on 06 306 9611, option 6, or by emailing enquiries@swdc.govt.nz.
Will Wellington Water impose new water restrictions?
All service standards, including garden watering restrictions, will continue to be set by the Council. As advised elsewhere, in order to ensure the delivery of safe drinking water, we’re now chlorinating the Martinborough water supply. As only one well is suitable for use without further treatment for manganese, we may need to introduce garden watering restrictions earlier than usual this summer. Water restrictions will be advertised, when necessary, on the Council website, local newspapers, social media channels and radio. This would have happened if we hadn’t joined Wellington Water.
Does the Council still own the water assets, or does Wellington Water?
All the water assets including pipes and treatment plants Council owns will continue to be owned the Council.
Will Wellington Water decide what needs to be done with water in South Wairarapa now rather than our democratically elected council?
No. All decisions will continue to be made by councillors, advised by council officers. When it comes to water, Wellington Water will provide advice on where to invest but the final decisions are Council‘s responsibility.
Are my rates going to go up?
Rates are set by the Council, and water-related rates will continue to be set by Council as it retains ownership of its three waters assets. There will be no direct impact on rates as a result of Council joining Wellington Water. Our budgets stay the same as set in the Annual plan 2019/20.
