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This publication follows the trials and tribulations of Greater Wellington's water history. Providing water at a cost that the population can bear has been a challenge ever since European settlers arrived in our region. This publication charts our progress from the early days of settlers gathering water from streams, rooftops and shallow wells and concludes with the development of modern water treatment plants and outlines the challenges about our future supply.

The importance of a safe and reliable water supply should  not be underestimated. It is appropriate to remember the achievements of our predecessors in planning for the long-term water needs of our region. We need to not only appreciate what they achieved, but also to build on that legacy for future generations.