Upgrades of the Waihi Beach, Katikati, Omokoroa, Te Puna, Te Puke and Maketu water treatment plants

Over a ten-year period, between Nov 1995 to Feb 2006, Ted was employed by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, as their Utilities Manager, managing Council's three waters and solid waste activities including planning, operation and capital projects. This was an exciting and challenging time, as Western Bay of Plenty grappled with significant growth, and the changing of communities from holiday locations into residential areas.

The three key challenges associated with potable water were:  Western Bay of Plenty had an E grade for their water supply which was associated with a low level of treatment and a high level of health risk associated with the supply. Additionally summer demand every year exceeded the capacity of the water supply system necessitating extending water restriction.

Furthermore, the District was experiencing high levels of growth, and it was deemed necessary to rezone parts of the district to accommodate this growth. The rezoning of new residential land could not occur unless there was sufficient water supply capacity.

Consequently, new water sources were required. Ted led the development of a water strategy which moved Western Bay of Plenty from their surface water reliance into constructing secure bore supplies and strategic locations throughout the district.