Methven’s new membrane plant almost ready
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Methven locals will be able to sleep soundly next time it starts raining without worrying about boil water notices.
The $9.4 million Methven water supply upgrade is in the final phase of testing and could be online next week, Ashburton District Council’s infrastructure and open spaces group manager Neil McCann says.
“So no more boil water notices.”
The end to the troublesome boil water with the new membrane treatment plant coming online will be a big relief to the community, including Methven resident and deputy mayor Liz McMillan.
“We’ll be able to sleep now when it starts raining,” McMillan said.
Methven Community Board chairperson, Kelvin Holmes, said it’s a good result.
“It’s a lot of expense and let’s hope it does what it’s supposed to do.”
What it is supposed to do is solve the turbidity [cloudiness issues that have plagued the town’s water supply during heavy rainfall.
The new membrane treatment plant will use ultrafiltration technology, providing a barrier that removes 99.9% of micro-sized contaminant, McCann said.
The water will then be disinfected with UV light and chlorine, and fluoride added, before being stored in the new reservoirs and distributed via the town’s drinking water supply pipe network.
“We hope to be able to use the two reservoirs this week and we hope to be producing from the new treatment plant in the next week or so.
Commissioning of the new plant is expected to be completed this week with full operational testing and fine-tuning of the plant will starting on Monday, and it could then start servicing Methven by Wednesday, McCann said.
An official opening is planned for October 6 followed by a public open day on October 7, McCann said.
The old concrete reservoir tank structural integrity is being investigated but it doesn’t look like it will be worth retaining, McCann said.
“It’s not looking like we’ll be able to use that.
“The amount of money to fix it up is just not economically viable.”
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.5% Yes
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46.5% No
A riddle to start the festive season 🌲🎁🌟
I'm a fruit. If you take away my first letter, I'm a crime. If you take away my first two letters, I'm an animal. If you take away my first and last letter, I'm a form of music. What am I?
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
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‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
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