Omakau/Ophir - Conserve Water Notice Lifted

Friday 19 September 2025, 9am

Our new facilities contractor, TRILITY, worked late into the night to keep the reservoir levels as stable as possible. By manually operating the plant, they were able to maintain supply until the river water quality improved and the newly installed stream current meter (SCM) could take over.

The tanks are now fully replenished and the Conserve Water Notice has been lifted for Omakau/Ophir.

Water use can return to normal. Thank you to the Omakau/Ophir community for your efforts to conserve water while we managed this situation - your support made a real difference.

Council is working on a solution to increase the water storage capacity to allow the water treatment plant to remain offline for longer periods during future weather events. Read more here

Background

Conserve water notice issued for Omakau/OphirThursday, 18 September 2025, 3:30pm,

The Central Otago District Council has been monitoring the Omakau/Ophir water treatment closely after the heavy rain yesterday. The dirty water coming through the river means that we can’t treat the water to an acceptable level.

Council is issuing a Conserve Water Notice for Omakau/Ophir to preserve stored water while we work to get the treatment plant producing again.

Residents are asked to reduce water use as much as possible. If water quality worsens, a Boil Water Notice may be required.

Updates will be shared on the Council’s website and Facebook page. Please spread the word to friends, family and neighbours.