Emergency Water

Emergency water supply

Wellington's emergency water supply is a critical issue.

In the event of an emergency, residents would have to fend for themselves for a few days until distribution points were established. If an earthquake hit, it could take several weeks to restore water service. Our distance from quick alternative supplies makes us even more vulnerable.

The Council has several initiatives underway to preserve and increase water reserves. But residents must also be proactive in preparing for an emergency.

Our Plan

Our current water reservoir capacity could sustain life and meet minimum hygiene requirements for 30 days. This water would be distributed at service points throughout the city. It would not run from household taps.

The Council is responding to potential earthquake hazards with several initiatives:

• Retain supply – we are installing auto shut-off valves in our 35 largest reservoirs to ensure reservoirs retain water.
• Maintain reservoirs – we have ongoing initiatives to maintain and improve reservoir conditions.
• Increase capacity – Three new reservoirs have been built in Roseneath, Mount Albert and Aramoana, increasing capacity by 12,000 cubic metres.
• Prepare emergency service – twenty 25,000 litre tanks are available for distribution positions throughout the city.

Regional Role

The Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) is developing strategies to address emergency bulk supplies.

Wellington City Council is a member of the Wellington Emergency Water Supply Planning Group. It takes a regional approach to managing the issue.

What You Can Do

Store lots of water. The more you store, the longer you’ll be self-sufficient.

Councils throughout the region are looking at the big picture, but you can greatly improve your situation in an emergency if you have your own supply for drinking, cooking and basic hygiene.

• store enough for five litres per person per day for five days
• keep water in airtight containers
• replace water yearly and mark the container with the date when it was last replaced
• secure your water supply and strap down your hot water cylinder
• boil stored water for one minute before drinking

The brochure ‘Be Ready for an Emergency’ can help you prepare.

‘Be Ready for an Emergency’ brochure (443Kb PDF)

For information about setting up your own emergency water supply and your survival kit, please contact Wellington City Council Emergency Management Office on (04) 499 4444.

Related Links

• Wellington City Council Emergency Management Office
• Greater Wellington Regional Council website

Department Details:
Capacity (Wellington Water Management Ltd)