The Auckland Council has installed permanent community water fountains in Stillwater to help bring relief during the upcoming summer months.

With a dry summer around the corner and several days with no rain, rural communities face dry rainwater tanks and unreasonable wait times for water delivery. 

These bollards (water fountains) will help the Stillwater community have access to clean drinking water throughout these drier months.

The bollard in Stillwater is situated at the Stillwater Community Hall, 1a Duck Creek Road. 

Once at the site, there will be signs that will show people where to go. 

Each bollard is painted bright blue and stands about a metre high, with a tap on top. 

The council also installed 20 other bollards in other rural areas across Auckland.

Those using the bollard in Stillwater can use it as a normal water fountain and a refilling station for water bottles, at any time of the year. 

In the drier months when water tanks run dry, the council will attach two short hoses to the sides of these bollards to make water collection easier. Residents can collect 20 litres per person per day. 

Rainfall at these sites will be monitored for dry spells and the community will be advised when the residents can fill up. 

All the bollards meet current drinking water standards.

During a drought, many of Auckland Council’s pools and leisure centres, parks, and holiday parks will be open for residents to access shower facilities.

The drought of 2019-2020 highlighted the need for rural communities to be prepared. 

Due to the lack of rain to fill up the water tanks, the demand for water deliveries puts pressure on private operators resulting in long delays and the probability of having no immediate access to clean drinking water becoming a reality.

“As the summer rolls around, it’s a timely reminder for rural residents to think about their water supplies,” says Uys de Wet, project manager. “If you’re reliant on rainwater tanks for your drinking water, check the tank levels regularly, use water wisely and book a delivery early.”