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Water softening

Should Wanganui’s water supply be softened?

Wanganui residents have asked the Council to investigate the options and costs for softening Wanganui’s water supply. Most of Wanganui currently has hard water. Water hardness relates to the amount of lime in the water that can build up when heated (e.g. on a jug element).

The Council has drilled test bores at Westmere reservoirs, Tayforth Road and Kaikokopu Road as part of the investigation programme. Final testing is being completed but we can provide you with ‘best estimates’ of the results and likely costs.

The bore results show that softer water sources do exist closer to the city. By using these in combination with a treatment plant, Wanganui could have a softer water supply. This would also provide sufficient water to replace one of our ageing city bores at Kai Iwi.

The cost of the treatment plant and new bore would be $6M, with additional operating costs of $400,000 per year.

 

A soft water option will save the average household over $230 a year.
Those costs include damage to hot water cylinders, higher power use and greater use of detergents. Clothing washed in hard water fades and wears out faster. Appliances which use hard water are estimated to wear out 30% earlier than in soft water areas (an additional cost of $50-$100 which is not included in the $230 per year). The savings for households would range from $240-$330 a year, with savings ranging from $190 to $280 plus the reduced wear and tear on appliances.

The rateable cost per household would be approximately $79 per year.
As the rural community would not receive the benefits of a soft water supply, only those properties connected to the city supply (excluding separate rural schemes) would be charged for soft water supply.

If there is a ‘yes’ vote in this referendum, the council will introduce the soft water charge in the 2007/08 financial year. You will also receive the benefits of soft water in the coming financial year.

Soft water benefits

• Householders will have to replace hot water cylinder or jug elements less often.
• You will use less detergent/s.
• You will use less power due to a more efficient hot water cylinder.
• It will extend the life of appliances.
• Clothing will remain wearable for longer.
• The average household will save $230 per year.

Hard water benefits

• There will be no additional rates cost.
• There will be minimal treatment costs.
• Your health can benefit from the calcium content (although at a very low level).
• It prolongs the life of steel water pipes.
  

More information:
Summary report – benefit/cost assessment (PDF) || Benefit/cost assessment report (PDF) || Technical report (PDF)

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