Water Services

Co-Lab Water Services delivers services to nine Councils across the wider Waikato Region. These services are:

• Sampling and Analysis of Water, Wastewater, Landfill and Trade Waste sites;
• Implementation and administration of Trade Waste Bylaws; and
• A coordinated and well communicated approach to drinking water education using our Smart Water brand, this includes management of the summer water campaign and education initiatives.

Since 2012 Hamilton City, Waikato and Waipa District Councils had been working together to deliver these 3 services. In 2020 Waikato District Council withdrew from the agreement and a Business Case was completed to look at the viability of including more regional councils to fill the gap in work left by Waikato DC. By July 2021 7 more Councils opted to sign up to one or more of the Water Services offered. Co-Lab Water Services now works alongside the following nine councils to provide a stronger service to the wider region:

• Hamilton City Council
• Hauraki District Council
• Matamata-Piako District Council
• Ōtorohanga District Council
• Rotorua Lakes Council
• South Waikato District Council
• Taupo District Council
• Waipa District Council
• Waitomo District Council

The implementation of these services has provided the following generic benefits for each of the Parties:

• Centres of excellence developed
• Clearly defined KPI’s and reporting
• Collaborative approach – greater sharing of knowledge and people
• Consistency of processes and message across the sub-region
• Improved reporting (both financial and operational) providing greater transparency

The Water Services Team currently has a total of 28 staff made up of 26 full-time and 2 part-time staff.