Reliable Rural Drinking Water for a Remote Island Community
Kawa Marae, located on Great Barrier Island, supports local whānau, visitors, and community gatherings. Its previous system relied on untreated bore water and ageing infrastructure that failed to meet the Drinking Water Standards for New Zealand (DWSNZ). Manual operation and limited capacity made it difficult to meet peak demand safely. The community required a modern, compliant water treatment system that would automate processes, improve reliability, and future-proof the marae for anticipated facility expansion. The upgrade formed part of the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) and National Infrastructure and Funding Facility (NIFF) programme to improve rural and marae drinking-water infrastructure.
Automated Rural Water Treatment with Filtration and Softening
FILTEC designed and installed a 50 m³/day automated water treatment system to replace the marae’s manual setup. The upgrade included pressure-switch control with ballcock inlet valves for automated pump operation, 25 mm non-return valves, and PN12.5-rated pipework. Cartridge filtration removes fine sediment while a softener and UV disinfection improve water quality and safety. A pressure-based control system was integrated for efficient water delivery and reduced manual intervention. The design modernised the existing system while maximising use of legacy infrastructure to ensure ease of maintenance and compliance with DWSNZ.
Smart Integration and Remote Monitoring for Operational Efficiency
WaterVision remote monitoring was configured to allow live data access, alarms, and trend tracking for the marae operators. Automated pump and valve control ensures reliable delivery with minimal manual input. Tailored hydraulic design and prefabricated components simplified installation and integration with existing tank connections. The solution was built for long-term reliability and adaptability to future water-demand growth.
Field Coordination and Servicing for Long-Term Compliance
FILTEC worked closely with local contractors and the Kawa Marae Committee to deliver the system within the island’s logistical constraints. The remote location and site limitations required careful planning and prefabrication to integrate new equipment with existing infrastructure and avoid service interruptions. Close coordination between engineers and service providers ensured the upgrade was completed efficiently and to specification. FILTEC continues to provide quarterly servicing and remote monitoring through its dedicated support centre to maintain optimal performance and long-term compliance.
Automated Water System Delivering Safe and Compliant Supply
The modernised system has transformed Kawa Marae’s water supply into a fully automated, safe, and reliable network meeting DWSNZ requirements. Water quality is consistently improved, ensuring safe supply for everyday use and large community hui. Automation and remote monitoring reduce manual workload while providing early issue detection and resilience to power or weather events. The system is future-ready, supporting growing water demand and protecting community wellbeing for years to come.
