Clean drinking water is something most of us don’t think about, and that’s exactly how it should be. At IAWAI, our role is to make sure water is safe, reliable and there when it’s needed, for homes, businesses and communities across the region.
From the source to the tap, we look after the systems that deliver drinking water every day, while planning ahead for growth, resilience and long-term sustainability.
Where our drinking water comes from
Most of the drinking water we supply comes from the Waikato River, alongside groundwater sources and a small number of bulk supply arrangements with other providers, including Watercare Services and the Te Kauwhata Water Association. The health of our waterways and water sources matter, as this directly affects how safe our water supply is.
That connection is simple: when the river is healthy, the water we treat and supply is safer, more resilient, and better for everyone who relies on it.
Caring for drinking water means caring for the whole system it comes from.
Our role in keeping water flowing
IAWAI looks after drinking water for homes, businesses and rural users, across Hamilton City and Waikato District.
In urban areas, water is available on demand. In surrounding rural areas, supply may be more limited, with some properties relying on bores, roof water or trickle-feed systems.
Across each of these areas, our focus is the same: protecting water quality, managing risk, and maintaining high safety standards, so communities can rely on their drinking water every day.
Our drinking water network
IAWAI operates seven drinking water treatment plants across the region. Together, this network supplies drinking water to tens of thousands of homes, businesses and rural users every day:
- Waiora (Hamilton)
- Ngaaruawaahia
- Huntly
- Raglan
- Port Waikato
- Te Aakau
- Te Kauwhata
Growth is thirsty
As our communities grow, so does demand for drinking water. More homes, businesses and services put pressure on water systems that weren’t designed for today’s population.
Our role is to stay ahead of that demand by planning carefully so water continues to be there when it’s needed, without placing unnecessary cost or strain on the system.
Over the next decade, IAWAI is investing in drinking water infrastructure that strengthens supply, builds resilience, and supports sustainable growth. This work focuses on three core areas: securing water supply, increasing storage, and looking after the networks that deliver water every day.
Securing supply
We’re upgrading existing treatment plants and planning ahead for future capacity, including improvements at the Wairoa Water Treatment Plant and planning for a second treatment plant near Hamilton to support long-term demand.
Building resilience through storage
Additional storage helps manage peak demand, maintenance and unexpected events. A new 25-million-litre reservoir planned for central Hamilton near the lake, with further storage planned for Hillcrest and Matangi. Learn more here.
Looking after the network
Alongside new infrastructure, we’ll continue to invest in renewing pipes, pump stations and supporting assets. This ongoing work reduces risk and helps keep water services reliable and cost-effective over time across the region.
Frequently asked questions
Who do I contact if I have a question or concern about my drinking water?
For now, you’ll continue to contact your council as usual. Over time, customer services will transition to IAWAI; we’ll keep you in the loop about these changes when they happen.
What should I do if my tap water is discoloured or running brown?
Discoloured water is often caused by sediment being disturbed in the pipes, sometimes after maintenance work or changes in water flow. If this happens, try running the cold tap at an outside tap or kitchen sink for a few minutes until the water clears. If the problem continues, contact your council so they can check the network and investigate.
What happens if there’s a water outage?
If planned work is required on the network, councils will normally notify affected households in advance. In the event of an unexpected outage, crews will work to restore supply as quickly as possible. Updates are usually provided through council websites, social media, or local alerts.
What is a trickle-feed water system?
A trickle-feed system supplies water slowly from the main network into a storage tank on your property. The tank fills gradually, and a pump then provides normal pressure to your home. These systems are often used in rural or edge-of-town areas where the network can’t provide a full on-demand supply.