Water Filling Stations

The main reason for filling stations is to protect our drinking water supply from ‘backflow’ contamination.

Backflow is when anything flows back into the public drinking water supply, causing it to become contaminated. This can happen because of either back-siphonage or backpressure.

Backflow can cause sickness, or even death - which is why we want to ensure our water supply is protected.

The filling stations have backflow prevention devices installed, so will not pose any risk to the public drinking water supply.

There is also a risk of backflow occurring when anyone other than the Fire Service takes water from a hydrant.  

For further information on backflow refer to our Backflow Prevention Policy(PDF, 596KB)

The filling stations are mainly provided for businesses who use large volumes of water - like roading contractors, spray contractors and water carriers. However, anyone with the right equipment can use one.

Specific equipment is needed to access water from the Water Tanker Filling Stations because they don’t have taps. You will need the correct hose fitting, a hose, and storage to contain the water. If you visit a plumbing store, they will be able to advise what equipment you need.

To use the filling station, you will need to complete an application form. These are also available from our Oamaru office at 20 Thames Street.

Download a printable pdf form: Application To Draw Water application form.(PDF, 186KB)

Once you have completed the application form and paid a small refundable deposit of $20, you will be issued a smart card from our office in Thames Street (the deposit for the card is $20 repaid if the card is ever returned).

If you aren’t able to come into our Ōamaru office, you can use our online form or email your completed application form to us. We will contact you to complete the process and you can pay via credit/debit card over the phone or via internet banking.

Note once you have completed the application process, if you require your card to be posted to you, please allow 10 working days to receive your card before being able to access water from the filling station.   

Once your application has been received, to get a smart card, a small refundable deposit of $20 will need to be paid, which will be repaid if the card is returned.

Water from the Water Tanker Filling Stations costs $5 per 1m³ of water. The minimum amount you can load onto your card is 10m³ (or $50) of water. 

You will need to pre-load your card at the office based on the how much water you think you will need and it’s ready for use immediately. You can top your card up again at the Oamaru office anytime, as needed.

Businesses can purchase multiple cards for use by their employees. Terms and conditions for using the filling station are in accordance with our Waitaki Water Supply Bylaw 2021, which can be found here.