Where does it come from?
Our water supply comes from three sources:
- the Hutt River
- the combined flow of the Wainuiomata and Orongorongo Rivers
- the Waiwhetu Aquifer
Water use
We supply about 140 million litres (ML) of water per day (on average) for Upper Hutt, Lower Hutt, Porirua and Wellington.
Our supply serves a resident population of almost 400,000, so on average we provide about 350 litres per resident each day, or 3-4 bathtubs each. Not all of this water is used in homes. City council estimates show that households use a bit over 60% of our total supply. Other users include industry, businesses, schools, hospitals, the fire service and councils.
For more information about water use, check out these pages.
Water quality
Safe and reliable drinking water is vital to the health and prosperity of our region and its people. We're responsible for making sure that the water supplied to Lower Hutt, Porirua, Upper Hutt and Wellington is clean and safe to drink.
What's in your water?
Water naturally contains a variety of chemical elements. We also use chemicals during the treatment process. For more information, check out this page.
Water treatment
The purpose of water treatment is to remove microbiological contamination from water for supply and to ensure that the mineral content is at safe levels. We also remove any colour (from dirt or rotting vegetation) which isn't harmful, but makes the water look unappealing.
Water restrictions
Watering restrictions are used by the Hutt, Porirua, Upper Hutt and Wellington city councils. They apply every year.
Water conservation
Whether you’re watering the garden, buying new appliances or brushing your teeth, there are loads of easy ways to use a bit less water.
Storing emergency water
Have you got your emergency water sorted?
Backflow
Backflow is the unintended and undesirable reverse flow of water or other liquids within the plumbing system of a property to the public mains supply.