Lakeside Community Sewerage Schemes
Scheme Funding
The capital cost of the proposed sewerage schemes is covered in part by a 50% subsidy from Central Government; through the Ministry of Health for Mourea /Okawa Bay) and the Ministry for the Environment (for Brunswick/Rotokawa, Okareka/Blue Lake, Okere Falls/Otaramarae/Whangamarino, Gisborne Point/Hinehopu and Hamurana/Awahou). Further subsidy applications will be made to Central Government for Rotoma and Tarawera lakes.
The remainder of capital costs will be funded by a combination of Environment Bay of Plenty grants, commercial users’ contributions, Rotorua Lakes Council general rates and individual ratepayer contributions.
Low Pressure Grinder Pump (LPGP) Systems
Communities in the Lakeside Communities Sewerage Scheme programme generally have difficult topography and high groundwater levels on lakeside properties. This means high costs for laying pipes because of the extensive use of dewatering equipment and disturbance of properties from open trench excavations. This was highlighted during construction of a conventional gravity system at Mourea/Okawa Bay. As a result, Council investigated other sewer servicing options that would be preferable to conventional gravity systems.
The evaluation process revealed that Low Pressure Grinder Pump systems are the best alternative because of cost and environmental considerations.
Implementation of New Zealand’s first community-wide Low Pressure Grinder Pump system has been completed at Hinemoa Point. This system will connect 60 existing properties and a Marae to the community sewer system and also allows for future development in the area.
Installation of 40 unit LPGP system at Brunswick/Rotokawa area, and all of the Okareka/Blue Lake and Okere Falls/Otaramarae/Whangamarino communities have been connected to the Low Pressure Grinder Pump systems.
- Diagram of a Low Pressure Grinder System
- Low Pressure Grinder System
- LPGP Owner and Occupier's Manual
- LPGP Do's and Don't's
Other Areas Being Considered for the Sewerage Scheme Programme
A study has been undertaken to establish sewering options for communities not currently included in the sewerage programme. Planning and detailed investigations of a proposed sewerage scheme would proceed if most people in the following communities support proposals:
- Mamaku
- Kennedy Bay/Otautu Bay
- Clayton / Mountain Road
- Fairy Springs
Feasibility studies of these communities will be assessed in 2013/ 2014.
If you have further queries on the above please contact Greg Manzano at Rotorua Lakes Council on (07) 348 4199.