Treated water from the newly constructed Seddon water treatment plant began flowing to the town’s residents today, after being given the go-ahead by the Nelson Marlborough District Health Board Drinking Water Assessor.

This means that Seddon residents are one step closer to being able to drink straight from the tap.

Marlborough District Council Operations and Maintenance Engineer Stephen Rooney says the new system will now be monitored by the plant operator for about two months, to ensure there are no issues.

“Data gathered will be given to the Drinking Water Assessor, who can then provide approval to lift the boil water notice, meaning the completion of the project,” he says.

Councillor Cynthia Brooks says this is a major milestone for the town and for all of those who have been involved in the project from the beginning.

“The finishing line is in sight now,” Councillor Brooks said.

Work on the town’s water reticulation system was also carried out in conjunction with the treatment plant. This pipework will take untreated water from the Wakefield Street bulk main to the treatment plan. From there, the treated water will be distributed into the Seddon network. This will include separating untreated water from drinking water so it can be used for irrigation of the sports domain and the bowling green.

Construction of the $4.4 million Wakefield Street water treatment plant, located above Seddon’s War Memorial, began in January this year. Half of the cost of the new water treatment plant was funded from Council’s reserves, as well as a $1m government subsidy. The balance was shared between Seddon’s residents through a capped annual charge on households in the scheme, and via a charge spread across other ratepayers in Marlborough’s water supply rating areas.

Mr Rooney says once the plant is fully operational, there will be a celebratory open day so members of the public can come and have a closer look at the plant and see it in action.

“We are currently planning the open day, which will be advertised on Council’s website and social media and in the newspaper. Everyone is welcome - keep an eye out for more details to come.”

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