Wastewater treatment plant site visits

We're investing millions of dollars in the wastewater treatment plant so it's important that residents and ratepayers have a chance to see where their money is being spent. Many visitors to the plant find the visit an interesting experience.

The subject of wastewater (or sewage) treatment is of particular interest to school children. It is specified in the New Zealand Science Curriculum under Sample Learning Contexts at various achievement levels. The processes at the plant include biological, mechanical, computerised, technical, automated and occasionally manual.

Wastewater treatment plant location map

Who can visit?

Because of limited staff resources and the fact that visitors must be accompanied at all times, visitors must be in groups. Groups should not exceed 15 persons.

The complexity and safety requirements of the plant mean school children from Intermediate level and upwards only can visit. A minimum teacher or parent/child ratio of 1:15 is required for safe supervision.

The tours take approximately one hour, so visitors must be reasonably fit and able to manage stairs. The tour is not suitable for wheelchairs.

The plant is open for visitors Monday to Friday, from 9am to 3pm.

Planning your visit

Requests for tours should be made on the form below and we will confirm that your booking has been accepted.

Request a visit

Visits must be arranged at least one week in advance, with final confirmation required the day before your visit. Please confirm with the plant reception on phone 486 8590 or fax 486 8517 (8am to 4pm Monday to Friday).

Wastewater treatment plant site visit request form (PDF 31KB)

Health and safety

The wastewater treatment plant has chemical and biological processes with a number of particular hazards. For your safety it is important that all visitors are aware of the plant's health and safety rules. These will be carefully explained by your tour guide before the tour commences.

• Certain areas of the plant are out of bounds. These will be identified for you. Running, climbing or roaming is not permitted. You must stay with your guide at all times as he/she is not only there to inform you but also to protect you.
• Children must be kept under control by parents and teachers.
• All visitors must wear covered shoes. No jandals or sandals.
• Please leave bags and coats which are not being worn in your vehicles.
• Although the wastewater treatment plant is constantly being cleaned, we advise everyone to wash hands thoroughly after visiting the plant and before eating. Eating or drinking is not permitted on the tour.
• If one of your group wishes to use the washroom or toilet facilities at the plant, we suggest this is done before the tour commences or at its conclusion. It is not possible to guide individuals to and from toilets during the tour. The guide will direct visitors to the nearest available toilet.

About the tour

The tour last approximately one hour, of which half an hour is spent explaining how the treatment process works using a detailed model of the plant. This is followed by a tour around the plant observing the various treatment plant processes in action. Time is allowed for answering questions after the tour.

Please let us know if there is a particular aspect of the plant you wish to focus on or if you require just a general overview.