# Waikato water services and infrastructure developments

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/waikato-water-services-and-infrastructure-developments
> Updated: 2026-09-02T03:27:39.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

The establishment of Waikato Waters, a council-controlled water services company jointly owned by six district councils, has incurred costs of $16.85 million. This total is approximately 40 per cent higher than the initial $12.1 million budget. Major expenditures include $10.36 million for contractors, $2.64 million for information technology, and $1.82 million for consultants. The company currently employs 131 staff.

In a related development regarding regional water infrastructure, Watercare has launched a Registration of Interest process for the $1.7 billion Waikato Water Supply Programme. This project is intended to bolster Auckland’s long-term water security and support regional growth through the use of Waikato River allocations. The programme involves constructing a new raw water intake, increasing treatment capacity, laying roughly 50 kilometres of pipeline, and building a 50-megalitre reservoir at Pukekohe West, with a target completion date by the end of 2033.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-02: Watercare begins $1.7 billion Waikato water supply programme

Watercare has launched a $1.7 billion procurement process for the Waikato Water Supply Programme to enhance Auckland’s water security and infrastructure by 2033.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/watercare-begins-17-billion-waikato-water-supply-programme

### 2026-08-26: Waikato Waters establishment costs reach $16.85 million

Establishment costs for Waikato Waters have reached $16.85 million, exceeding the initial $12.1 million budget by roughly 40 per cent.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/waikato-waters-establishment-costs-reach-1685-million

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Cite as: Waikato water services and infrastructure developments. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/waikato-water-services-and-infrastructure-developments