Work to install two tanks in Birdlings Flat will start mid-October, with another tank being installed in Pigeon Bay in late-November.
The communal storage tanks can hold 26,000 litres of water each and are being installed in areas recommended by Fire and Emergency New Zealand.
They are critical for rural communities, which have restricted water supply systems that cannot support demand in the event of a fire.
“There are a few existing tanks on the rural side of Banks Peninsula, however we’re installing the new tanks in areas where FENZ highlighted more tanks are needed,” Christchurch City Council Head of Three Waters Gavin Hutchison said.
“Unlike Christchurch, most water supplies in Banks Peninsula are fed by small streams which are usually at their lowest in summer when fires are more likely,” he said.
Mr Hutchison said Birdlings Flat will take approximately four weeks to complete and the work in Pigeon Bay will take three weeks.
“It’s looking like we’re going to have a drier than usual spring and summer this year, so we’re getting these tanks installed for fire season,” he said.
“The tanks will provide great resilience in the event of any fire on the rural side of the Peninsula, so residents can rest assured there will be enough water on standby.”