Council operates two schemes that receive, treat and discharge sewage effluent in a safe, healthy and environmentally sound manner.  One sewage scheme serves the township of Opotiki and the Waiotahi Drifts while the other serves a small subdivision at Waihau Bay.  Both schemes discharge primary treated effluent to field soakage systems.  All other dwellings in the district are serviced by septic tank systems.

Council has numerous statutory responsibilities that relate to the collection and disposal of wastewater.  This service is provided to meet public health and environmental standards and to support future development in the district.