On Friday, 8 and Saturday, 9 November 2024, we are opening the gates to the Chapel Street wastewater treatment plant for free guided tours. With limited spots available on both days, these will book up fast.
This isn’t the first time Chapel Street has been open to the public. Tours held in 2018 and 2019 proved popular with the community, and these tours are predicted to be the same.
Wastewater Treatment Manager Louis Du Preez says these tours will give people a behind-the-scenes look at the journey wastewater takes once it reaches the plant.
“The plant provides full biological treatment, producing an effluent ready for final stage (tertiary) disinfection at Te Maunga. This is a chance to see environmental science in practice.
“This is our chance to showcase the wastewater treatment plant operation and the consequences of flushing inappropriate items down the toilet, including the impact on our pipes.”
The tours will be held at Chapel Street (75 Chapel Street), with start times at 12pm and 1.45pm on Friday and 10am and 11.45am on Saturday. They are estimated to take around one-and-a-quarter hours.
Participants need to be able to climb stairs and deal with heights and uneven surfaces. The tour is not suitable for prams, wheelchairs or mobility scooters. Children over the age of eight are welcome but no more than two children per adult.
Those attending the tours will also need to wear appropriate clothing (being sun-smart is best) and closed, flat shoes (no high heels or jandals).
Secure your free spot.
Note: A booking form is required for each individual attending the tour.
The tours are subject to weather – tours will be cancelled in the case of bad weather.