Safe Rainwater Supply for a Growing Marae and Kōhanga Reo
Koriniti Marae, located 33 km north of Whanganui, includes several wharenui (meeting house), a wharekai (dining hall), wharepaku (toilets), kōhanga reo (school), papakāinga, and a church, with plans for future expansion. The site previously relied on untreated roof and bore water, with testing confirming the bore water was unsuitable for treatment. Minimal roof collection infrastructure and uncontrolled runoff meant much of the rainwater went to waste, leaving the marae without a reliable drinking water supply.
A new compliant system was required to treat collected roof water for safe use across the marae, kōhanga reo, and surrounding buildings. The project formed part of the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) and National Infrastructure and Funding Facility (NIFF) programme to improve water quality and resilience in rural communities.
Modular Roof Water Treatment for Rural Drinking Water Compliance
FILTEC designed, built, and commissioned a modular 50 m³/day water treatment system specifically for Koriniti Marae. The treatment process includes strainers, pH correction, dual cartridge filtration (20 µm and 5 µm), and UV disinfection to provide microbial control and stable water chemistry. The system connects to both the marae and kōhanga reo distribution networks, supplying treated water for daily use and community events. A community tap was also installed to provide public access to safe water. This modular approach provides a low-maintenance and cost-effective solution suited to the site’s roof-only water source.
Tailored Design and Tank Integration for Site Constraints
Two 30 kL roof water storage tanks were installed and partially buried to protect water quality, maintain consistent temperature, and allow efficient gravity feed from the roof. The project also included new guttering and downpipes, extended collection piping, and integration with existing electrical supply. Prefabricated sheds and modular components enabled installation despite site access challenges. Ground conditions and tank placement required careful planning and sequencing to ensure correct flow and structural stability. The system design balances simplicity and flexibility, allowing for future upgrades as the marae expands.
Field Coordination and Servicing for Long-Term Water Compliance
FILTEC collaborated closely with the marae committee, NIFF, and local contractors to coordinate deliveries, trenching, and electrical tie-ins across the rural site. Access constraints and the need to integrate new equipment with existing distribution networks required detailed coordination and adaptive installation methods. Major components were pre-assembled off-site to streamline the build, reduce disruption, and ensure efficient commissioning. Ongoing support includes remote monitoring, quarterly servicing, and reactive maintenance through FILTEC’s service centre to ensure ongoing compliance and reliability.
Reliable and Sustainable Rainwater Treatment System
The completed water treatment system has transformed Koriniti Marae’s supply into a safe, compliant, and reliable source for the marae, kōhanga reo, and surrounding buildings. Roof water is now treated to DWSNZ standards, ensuring consistent quality and protection from microbial contamination. The partially buried tanks provide stable storage and improved resilience during dry periods, while modular design and remote monitoring simplify ongoing operation. With quarterly servicing in place, the community now has a long-term, sustainable drinking water solution.
