Untreated, unscreened wastewater has been discharged into Tarakena Bay. Check LAWA.org.nz before visiting beaches.
Untreated, unscreened wastewater has been discharged into Tarakena Bay. Check LAWA.org.nz before visiting beaches.

Between approximately 8 am on 25 June and 7 am on 26 June, the short outfall pipe discharged untreated wastewater into Tarakena Bay.

Signs are in place along the coastline to alert water users of areas which may be impacted by this event. Water quality samples will be collected from coastal locations once improved weather conditions allow. 

Check LAWA.org.nz before visiting beaches along the south coast. 

Public health information can be found on Health NZ's website. 
Wellington Water crews responding to wastewater overflow on State Highway 2
Wellington Water crews responding to wastewater overflow on State Highway 2

Our team is responding to a wastewater overflow on State Highway 2 which has stopped this afternoon. The overflow was from a manhole on the southbound lanes close to the Ngauranga exit, discharging into the habour through the stormwater drains.

While the overflow has stopped, our teams are working to clear a blockage which still remains. They are working at pace to identify the blockage and get this cleared. 

One southbound lane clasure remains in place approaching Ngauranga while work is underway.
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Your Water / The Network / Wastewater / Wastewater Treatment Plants / Featherston Wastewater Treatment Plant

Featherston Wastewater Treatment Plant

At the Featherston Wastewater Treatment plant, sewage flows through a facultative pond, a maturation pond, and ultraviolet treatment. Discharge of the treated effluent is managed to Donald’s Creek depending on the conditions of the Resource Consents.

The plant was granted new consents on 25 August 2009 with a variation granted on 12 November 2010. These consents expired on 25 August 2012. The plant is currently operating under this expired consent. An application for new consents is on-going.

In general, the consent allows SWDC:

  • to discharge treated wastewater to Donald’s creek at up to 9,000 cubic meters per day in dry weather and up to 12,000 cubic meters per day in wet weather.
  • to discharge odours and other contaminants from the treatment process within the boundary.

Resource consents

WAR970080 Featherston WWTP Consent Conditions

Plant performance


Current Status: Compliant

Period: March 2026

 


Commentary:

The Resource Consent was granted by Greater Wellington Regional Council on the 8 October 2025. 

The upgrade project will be managed by SWDC, with operations still being undertaken by Wellington Water until the transition date.

Items of significance:

With effect 01 July 2025, SWDC took back ownership of the Capital Delivery Programme and associated projects .

Read all the Featherston wastewater treatment plant performance monthly reports