Maketu Wastewater Treatment Plant – soakage field upgrade

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Project overview

We’re upgrading the soakage field at the Maketu Wastewater Treatment Plant to make sure the system continues to work efficiently and protects the surrounding environment - including the nearby estuary.

The 4.2 hectare soakage field sits next to the treatment plant and plays a vital role in the final stage of the treatment process. Once wastewater has been fully treated, it’s piped into the field where it soaks down into the soil. This land-based approach helps filter out any remaining nutrients, with grasses planted over the area to absorb nitrogen. A local farmer cuts and removes the grass to prevent nutrient build-up. This is all part of our resource consent to help protect the estuary and avoid contamination of local waterways.


Click on the below image to open a photo sphere of the

Maketu Wastewater Treatment Plant and surrounding area. Scroll to look around.


What is a soakage field and how does it work?

A soakage field is the final step in a land-based wastewater system. It acts like a natural filter, returning clean, treated water to the land in an environmentally friendly way.

Here's how it works:

  1. Wastewater from homes and businesses in Maketu is treated at the plant using a biological process called a Sequential Batch Reactor (SBR).

  1. The fully treated water is piped to the adjacent paddock (the soakage field).

  1. The water filters down through the soil. Plants in the field absorb nutrients like nitrogen, and the soil further cleans the water.

  1. To keep the system healthy, grass is regularly cut and removed.

This method avoids discharging into waterways and helps us protect the neighbouring estuary.


Why we’re doing this work

The current soakage field was installed over 13 years ago and is showing signs of wear. We’re taking the opportunity to upgrade the system and make it more efficient by:

  • Installing new valves so we can isolate and manage different zones within the field

  • Adding new flow and pressure meters to better monitor how much water is soaking in

  • Improving how we manage flow, including the ability to pump treated water back to the plant if the soil becomes too saturated

  • Replacing older or underperforming sections of the field network

These improvements will help us make better use of the land, reduce the risk of overloading, and meet modern environmental standards.


What does this mean for the community?

  • No change to your service - your toilet, sink and shower will work as normal.

  • No odours - the entire system is underground and fully enclosed.

  • Minimal disruption - you might see a digger or equipment onsite occasionally, but we don’t expect any major increase in traffic or noise.

  • Three-month work period - work is expected to take around three months, with initial repairs already underway.


A quick history

The Maketu Wastewater Treatment Plant opened in 2012 as part of a $16 million upgrade that replaced a significant number of ageing septic tanks across Maketu and Little Waihi. The new centralised system was a significant step forward for environmental protection and community health, supported by Council, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and central government.


How will this be funded?

The project is funded through our Long Term Plan (LTP) – Council’s 10-year investment plan for infrastructure and essential services across the District.


Got more questions, or want to kōrero?

  • Want to speak with someone? You can contact us on our freephone line: 0800 WBOPDC (0800 926 732)

Project overview

We’re upgrading the soakage field at the Maketu Wastewater Treatment Plant to make sure the system continues to work efficiently and protects the surrounding environment - including the nearby estuary.

The 4.2 hectare soakage field sits next to the treatment plant and plays a vital role in the final stage of the treatment process. Once wastewater has been fully treated, it’s piped into the field where it soaks down into the soil. This land-based approach helps filter out any remaining nutrients, with grasses planted over the area to absorb nitrogen. A local farmer cuts and removes the grass to prevent nutrient build-up. This is all part of our resource consent to help protect the estuary and avoid contamination of local waterways.


Click on the below image to open a photo sphere of the

Maketu Wastewater Treatment Plant and surrounding area. Scroll to look around.


What is a soakage field and how does it work?

A soakage field is the final step in a land-based wastewater system. It acts like a natural filter, returning clean, treated water to the land in an environmentally friendly way.

Here's how it works:

  1. Wastewater from homes and businesses in Maketu is treated at the plant using a biological process called a Sequential Batch Reactor (SBR).

  1. The fully treated water is piped to the adjacent paddock (the soakage field).

  1. The water filters down through the soil. Plants in the field absorb nutrients like nitrogen, and the soil further cleans the water.

  1. To keep the system healthy, grass is regularly cut and removed.

This method avoids discharging into waterways and helps us protect the neighbouring estuary.


Why we’re doing this work

The current soakage field was installed over 13 years ago and is showing signs of wear. We’re taking the opportunity to upgrade the system and make it more efficient by:

  • Installing new valves so we can isolate and manage different zones within the field

  • Adding new flow and pressure meters to better monitor how much water is soaking in

  • Improving how we manage flow, including the ability to pump treated water back to the plant if the soil becomes too saturated

  • Replacing older or underperforming sections of the field network

These improvements will help us make better use of the land, reduce the risk of overloading, and meet modern environmental standards.


What does this mean for the community?

  • No change to your service - your toilet, sink and shower will work as normal.

  • No odours - the entire system is underground and fully enclosed.

  • Minimal disruption - you might see a digger or equipment onsite occasionally, but we don’t expect any major increase in traffic or noise.

  • Three-month work period - work is expected to take around three months, with initial repairs already underway.


A quick history

The Maketu Wastewater Treatment Plant opened in 2012 as part of a $16 million upgrade that replaced a significant number of ageing septic tanks across Maketu and Little Waihi. The new centralised system was a significant step forward for environmental protection and community health, supported by Council, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and central government.


How will this be funded?

The project is funded through our Long Term Plan (LTP) – Council’s 10-year investment plan for infrastructure and essential services across the District.


Got more questions, or want to kōrero?

  • Want to speak with someone? You can contact us on our freephone line: 0800 WBOPDC (0800 926 732)