To reduce environmental impacts and protect public health, the Council operates two sewage treatment schemes. The larger of the schemes caters for the Opotiki township and Waiotahi Drifts, while the other services a small subdivision at Waihau Bay. The remainder of the district relies on septic tanks for sewage disposal.
Treatment system assets include 34 kms of sewage reticulation pipes, five pumping stations and one treatment plant, with a combined replacement cost of $4.2 million. Operating costs are approaching $400,000 a year and are covered by targeted rates in the areas served.