What we operate
Wastewater services in Selwyn protect public health and the environment.
We collect, treat and safely dispose of wastewater from 15 townships across the district.
Our wastewater network includes:
- 6 wastewater schemes
- 70 pump stations
- 3 oxidation ponds
- Around 736km of pipes
Our responsibilities and yours
We own and maintain the wastewater network up to your property boundary – including pipes, pump stations and treatment plants.
From the boundary into your home, the pipes and connections are your responsibility to maintain.
Blockage and drain issues
What you need to do depends on the type of wastewater system your property is connected to.
If your property is connected to a gravity wastewater system:
- If the blockage is on your property or in the private section of the pipe (see fig 1 or fig 2), contact a drainlayer. It's best to use one with CCTV inspection equipment.
- If the blockage is in the public wastewater main or the Selwyn Water owned section of the pipe on public land (see fig 1 or fig 2) contact us. We will arrange repairs to council-owned wastewater pipes and laterals.
- Any work you arrange yourself is at your own cost and will not be reimbursed.
Please note: Around 70% of wastewater pipe blockages are found within the private section of the pipe.
If your property has a privately owned wastewater tank and pump
- Any faults or blockages in a pressure wastewater system with a privately owned tank (see fig 3) are the property owner's responsibility.
- Contact a drainlayer to investigate and fix the issue.
- If you think the pump may be causing the problem, let the drainlayer know that your property has a tank and pump, and make sure they are qualified to work on these systems.
Private on-site systems
Some rural properties aren't connected to our network and rely on private systems such as septic tanks. Where a reticulated system is available, connection is generally required to make sure wastewater is managed safely and consistently.
If you're on a private system, you're responsible for maintaining it and meeting any consent conditions from Environment Canterbury.
Pines Wastewater Treatment Plant
The Pines is our main treatment facility, built near Rolleston in 2012. It serves Rolleston, West Melton, Lincoln, Prebbleton and Springston – treating wastewater and disposing of treated effluent through irrigation to a dedicated disposal area.
As the district grows, we're investing in staged upgrades to increase the plant's capacity, efficiency and long-term resilience.