Root Street West Water Treatment Plant Opens
A smartly located and innovative addition to Feilding’s water infrastructure has now opened on Roots Street West, bringing together a deep-water bore, treatment plant, and reticulation storage on a single integrated site.
This co-located approach has enabled the facility to operate with a much smaller footprint than traditional treatment systems, reducing land requirements and streamlining operations.
Four years ago, Manawatū District Council began the search for a new, reliable water source to support Feilding’s long-term needs. Roots Street West emerged as the preferred location due to its proximity to the town, its safe distance from local fault lines, and its strong alignment with future growth planning.
The site draws water from a 400-metre-deep bore, with the bore pump positioned at 100 metres deep. Operating at 60 litres per second, the new treatment plant can process up to 5,000 cubic metres of water per day. With Feilding’s daily demand averaging between 9,000 and 12,000 cubic metres, the Roots Street West Water Treatment Plant now contributes up to one-third of the town’s drinking water supply.
A steel-constructed reservoir, selected for its suitability for the required size and design, helps ensure efficient movement of water throughout the network. Water is pumped from the bore, treated on-site, stored in the reservoir, and then delivered back into Feilding’s reticulation system. As part of the treatment process, a portion of fluoride-free water is separated and now supplies the fluoride-free filling station across the road at Rimu Park, providing an added benefit for the community.
The new plant has been built to exceed New Zealand’s current drinking water standards and has been designed with capacity, resilience, and evolving regulatory requirements in mind. It represents a forward-looking investment in Feilding’s water security for decades to come.
Elected Members, Council Officers, Ngāti Kauwhata, and contractors officially opened the site with a karakia and ribbon-cutting ceremony on 19 November 2025.