Makerspace Solution Enhances MDC Water Monitoring
Manawatū District Council (MDC) has partnered with Manawatū Community Hub Libraries (MCHL) Makerspace to streamline water quality monitoring across the district through the creation of durable QR code plaques for Water Treatment Operators.
Produced in-house by Makerspace Specialist Stew Wilson, the new QR codes are laser-engraved onto acrylic, making them weather-resistant and suitable for long-term outdoor use. Wilson says the project showcases the capability of the Makerspace’s digital fabrication tools, noting, “These QR codes are built to last. The acrylic handles outdoor conditions well, and the laser cutter allows us to create precise, long-lasting graphics very quickly. It’s great to see Makerspace technology directly supporting council operations.”
The QR plaques link directly to the Water Outlook app, a platform used by MDC to manage water supply, wastewater, and stormwater sampling results. By scanning the QR code at a water testing station, Water Treatment Operators can instantly access the correct data entry forms, eliminating the need to manually navigate the system. This enhancement supports routine testing requirements, which include chlorine residual sampling three times per week and weekly E.coli testing for each water supply zone. Three Waters Engineer Catherine Clement says the efficiency gains will be significant, explaining, “This will save our operators time and ensure data is entered consistently and accurately. It’s a small change but one that will have a big impact on how smoothly we can complete our sampling obligations.”
The QR codes will be installed across MDC’s water sampling points by the end of the year. The initiative reflects MDC’s commitment to practical innovation, cross-team collaboration, and continuous improvement in water quality management. Clement adds, “Working together across departments helps us find smart, cost-effective solutions. The Makerspace team has done an excellent job producing something robust, simple, and genuinely valuable for our operators.”
To find out more about the Makerspace:
Makerspace | Manawatū Community Hub Libraries
To learn more about MDC’S water supply:
Water Supply | Manawatū District Council
Photo of the Aeon Mira 9 (900 x 600mm bed) laser cutter in the Makerspace, with acrylic getting ready to engrave.
Finished engraved QR Code on a piece of acrylic ready to be installed.