The taste of water from bores at Foxton and Foxton Beach is set to improve, following upgrades to the bores and treatment plant which could start this October.

The work would include protecting and securing the bore heads and improving the treatment process to remove the ammonia and dissolved organic compounds found in bore water.

The work is estimated to cost about $500,000 and the Horowhenua District Council is applying for Ministry of Health funding.

Council chief executive David Ward said following the improvements it was anticipated the supply would meet A or B grade status in the Ministry of Health's drinking water standards.

Taste and odour complaints would be reduced and the need for "mains scouring and flushing" significantly reduced.

- Horowhenua Mail