Better water in pipeline

PRISTINE PIPES: McFall Enterprises digger operator Matt Pakeho and colleagues installing a section of the new water mains on Frontier Road. 086081AD

By Grant Johnston

Replacement of 2350 metres of mains water pipeline on Frontier Road is part of a drive by Waipa District Council to replace the whole mains trunk system delivering water to households on Te Awamutu supply.

McFall Enterprises has been carrying out the Frontier Road project in recent weeks and is ahead of schedule on the project, due for completion by April 8.

Currently the bulk of Te Awamutu water supply is delivered from Te Tahi Water Treatment Plant via two steel water mains, (200mm and 225mm) installed in 1914 and 1938 respectively. Council says the existing mains are at the end of their life cycle and in need of renewal.

“Also new public health standards mean that moving towards a more stable material (less likely to break down, rust or flake) will mean that water quality will remain high at all times.”

Council is aiming to replace these mains with the new mPVC line all the way to Te Awamutu over the next three years. The current project includes 1200 metres of associated 63mm rider mains along Frontier Road within the road reserve (serving some existing properties which draw off the main supply).

Also around Te Awamutu you can expect to see a number of town water mains being repaired and replaced as a part of the ongoing works needed to secure a reliable and efficient town water supply system.

“The new trunk or bulk supply mains are essential to deliver clean, healthy treated drinking water to homes, schools and work places,” Council says.

The project was scheduled in the Long Term Community Council Plan - recognising the need to replace the old steel pipes which were deteriorating due to ground conditions and age.

Council has managed a town water supply since 1914, with the town supply growing as the town and demand has grown. Today it catches, treats and supplies 10,000,000,000 litres per year across the district through seven treatment plants and over 500 kilometres of pipeline to in excess of 12,000 connections.

Leamington is also receiving new water mains.