Oxidation Ponds

• There are six maturation ponds and it takes about 16 days for the clear liquid from the clarifiers to flow through the oxidation ponds. Sunlight and natural processes kill the harmful bacteria and viruses without the need for additional chemicals or artificial UV light.
• The treated wastewater from the maturation ponds is discharged through a long outfall pipe which discharges 3 kilometres off New Brighton beach.
• The total outfall pipe length from the maturation ponds is 5.2 kilometres and it is 1.8 metres in diameter.  It is buried about 8 metres below the sea floor.
• See the Christchurch City Council’s website for more information: https://ccc.govt.nz/services/water-and-drainage/wastewater/treatment-plants/christchurch-wastewater-treatment-plant