Whangarei acting Mayor Phil Halse says he's confident new Treaty claims involving fresh water will not threaten the public supply.
Whatitiri Maori Trustees are claiming ownership of Poroti springs, west of Whangarei, one source of the city's water.
The springs also supply irrigators and a water bottling company and the trustees say they would consider reducing the length of resource consents for users.
Mr Halse sayshe's sure Maori would act in the best interests of the community, if the claim is upheld, because they are a major part of it.
He says the council has held a water right for the Poroti springs for many years.
Mr Halse says the council has just approved a strategy to use the Wairua River as Whangarei's next major water supply, and it may need to upgrade its Poroti plant to treat it.
