Key Takeaways
- Watercare has delayed the re-opening of the Onehunga Water Treatment Plant by two years, with construction expected to begin in 2027 and completion in 2029.
- The plant was shut down three years ago due to contamination by per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which have been linked to cancer and immune problems.
- The upgrade will include the installation of granular-activated carbon filtration and a new ultraviolet disinfection system to remove contaminants and meet New Zealand drinking water standards.
- Nationwide, there is no requirement for regular monitoring of PFAS, and Watercare does not conduct routine testing.
- The delay will not impact Auckland’s water supply, which is currently in a "strong position" with full dams and maximized production at other treatment plants.
Introduction to the Issue
The Onehunga Water Treatment Plant, a crucial facility for Auckland’s water supply, has been shut down for three years due to contamination by per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These "forever chemicals" have been linked to serious health problems, including cancer and immune issues, and have been detected in low levels at the plant. Watercare, the Auckland water supplier, had initially expected to re-open the facility in 2027 after a $40 million upgrade to remove the contaminants. However, the project has been delayed by two years, with construction now expected to begin in 2027 and completion in 2029.
The Delay and Upgrade
The delay is attributed to the detailed design phase of the project, which aims to ensure that the treatment plant can consistently meet New Zealand drinking water standards. The upgrade will include the installation of granular-activated carbon filtration, a technology designed to remove PFAS and other contaminants from the water. Additionally, a new ultraviolet disinfection system will be added to provide an extra layer of protection against microbiological contaminants. According to Sharon Danks, head of water at Watercare, the upgrade is necessary to ensure the plant can produce safe and clean drinking water for the community.
PFAS and Health Concerns
PFAS, which were invented in the 1930s, have been widely used in various applications, including firefighting foam, non-stick cookware, and food packaging. However, their indestructible carbon-fluorine bond has raised concerns about their impact on human health and the environment. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to various health problems, including cancer, immune issues, and reproductive problems. Despite these concerns, New Zealand has not followed other countries in reducing the thresholds at which PFAS are considered safe. In fact, nationwide, there is no requirement for regular monitoring of PFAS, and Watercare does not conduct routine testing.
Impact on Auckland’s Water Supply
The delay in re-opening the Onehunga Water Treatment Plant is not expected to impact Auckland’s water supply, which is currently in a "strong position". According to Danks, the city’s dams are full, and production is maximized at the Ardmore and Huia water treatment plants. During summer, when water demand increases, Watercare will increase production at its Waikato Water Treatment Plant, which treats water from the Waikato River. The agency’s second Waikato treatment plant is currently offline and not needed to supplement supply. This means that Auckland residents can continue to rely on a safe and stable water supply, despite the delay in re-opening the Onehunga plant.
Global Context and Future Directions
The issue of PFAS contamination is not unique to Auckland or New Zealand. In the United States and Europe, PFAS have been the subject of lawsuits and clean-ups, with many countries implementing stricter regulations and guidelines for their use and disposal. As the global community continues to learn more about the risks associated with PFAS, it is likely that New Zealand will need to re-evaluate its approach to monitoring and regulating these substances. In the meantime, Watercare’s upgrade of the Onehunga Water Treatment Plant is a step in the right direction, ensuring that Auckland residents have access to safe and clean drinking water. However, more needs to be done to address the broader issue of PFAS contamination and its impact on human health and the environment.