Health All-Clear to Return to Makotuku for Raetihi Water

Ruapehu District Council (RDC) has received clearance from the Medical Officer of Health for Waimarino that they can return to the Makotuku River to source drinking water for Raetihi. (see attached pdf)

A spill from the Turoa ski field on Mt Ruapehu in October last year leaked 19,000 litres of diesel into the Makotuku River forcing RDC to switch the water source for Raetihi township to the Makara Stream.

RDC Chief Executive, Peter Till, said that although it was good news that the Medical Officer of Health has given the go ahead to return to the Makotuku a date for this has not yet been set.

“Council will discuss the clearance with Raetihi residents at the public meeting scheduled for 6.00pm next Thursday (27 Feb) at the Raetihi Cosmopolitan Club,” he said.

“With the Makara not being a viable long term water source due to its smaller size and topography, being able to return to the Makotuku is a valuable option to have open to us.”

“As we have already flagged we are all on a long journey before we reach a final long term water supply solution for Raetihi and the wider Waimarino.”

Mr Till added that council would like to encourage as many Raetihi residents as possible to take advantage of the opportunity to visit the water intake, new hydrocarbon sensor and settling ponds next Thursday before the public meeting.

“The site visit and the public meeting will provide an opportunity for Raetihi residents to see first-hand the work that has been done and ask any questions they may have about the process, plans and options from here, he said.”

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