The consents that the City's current Wastewater System operates under were granted in October 2005 and April 2006.  The system was originally chosen in 1990 following five years of intensive work by the Council with key stakeholders, tangata whenua and the wider community.  The system was selected on the basis that it would serve the people of Tauranga for the next 30+ years.

This Wastewater System that is in place today, with some additional enhancements, reflects the following recommendations adopted by the Council in 1990:

• no sewage discharges to the Tauranga Harbour
   
• the total treated water flow be passed through wetlands at Te Maunga before being discharged via the ocean outfall
   
• involvement of tangata whenua and the public in the design and construction of the Wetlands at Te Maunga
   
• ensuring that the Wastewater System adopted is flexible enough to adapt to changes in technology as they become available
   
• stop the continuous discharge of wastewater to the Tauranga Harbour as soon as practicable
   
• no further reclamation of the Tauranga Harbour be made for the purpose of any works at Te Maunga
  the layout of the wetlands, ponds and treatment facilities be developed to provide a natural environment of scientific and public interest.

 Wastewater Reviews

Wastewater Environmental Effects