Our city’s water comes from three sources: the Waiorohi, Tautau and Waiāri Streams. Council holds resource consents to take water from these streams to supply Tauranga with water.
The current resource consents that allow Council to take water from the Waiorohi and Tautau streams, and treat it for use, will expire in 2026 and need to be reconsented. The consent to take water from the third stream, Waiāri, expires in 2044.
Reconsenting our city’s water supply will secure safe, reliable, and sustainable water for Tauranga for the next 30 years. This is Council’s priority. At the same time, we need to consider the city’s future needs as our population is estimated to grow from approximately 160,000 to 210,000 by 2050.
Decision-making
The Bay of Plenty Regional Council (BOPRC) makes the decision about granting resource consents to take water from the streams.
The BOPRC will consider the available water, flows required to keep the stream thriving and how much can be taken sustainably.
These water supplies are critical to the social and economic wellbeing and health of the Tauranga community, so it’s important we get this right.
Where does our water come from?
Our water in Tauranga comes from three sources: the Waiorohi, Tautau and Waiāri Streams.
Our resource consents to take water are like a maximum allowance that we can spend that day, however, we do not take more from the streams than our community needs on any day.
It’s vital we all use water wisely all year around. For more on how to make every drop count, check out our Water Watchers plan.
What’s next?
We will continue working in partnership with mana whenua to develop the reconsent applications. We are focused on sourcing water in a way that protects the mauri of the wai (water).
We will also be speaking to key stakeholders later in 2024 and in 2025.
Stay informed
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