Work starts on $17m water upgrade
The second stage is expected to take 24 months to complete
A24-month, $17 million upgrade to increase earthquake resilience and replace aged equipment at the Waikanae Water Treatment Plant is under way.
Council infrastructure services group manager Sean Mallon said the upgrade includes bringing the plant up to seismic standards, building a new clarifier (a large settling pond
which removes suspended solids from the water) as well as planned renewals of pumps and dosing equipment, which are getting towards the end of their useful life.
“Before we start on the large structural works, utilities and a stormwater pipe need to be relocated,” he said.
“This is expected to take until May, then the major works will begin.
“The project is stage two of a planned three-staged upgrade of the Waikanae Water Treatment Plant.
Mallon said the award-winning first stage was completed in 2015 and included a major upgrade to plant equipment and construction of a river recharge groundwater scheme.
“Stage three is currently planned for 2025-2028.”
Funding for the stage two works includes a $5.2 million grant from the Government’s Three Waters Reform programme.
“Council is committed to providing safe, clean, reliable and resilient drinking water to homes and businesses.
“The Waikanae Water Treatment Plant is some of our district’s most important infrastructure.
“It provides drinking water to 41,000 people and businesses in Waikanae, Paraparaumu and Raumati.”