Watercare’s renewal project aims to proactively replace more than 12,000 metres of freshwater pipes by the end of 2022. The goal is to reduce leaks and prevent water outages in the area, boosting the networks’ overall resilience for the future.
In Kelston, Watercare have replaced about 2.3 km of old water pipe. Most of the pipe being replaced is up to about 50 years old. In New Lynn the situation is similar, with a further 3.5 km of pipe being replaced.
The upgrade will also reduce operating costs, as future maintenance needs will be lessened with a new, robust system in place.
The new pipes have a projected lifeline of around 100 years, and are being installed with the help of horizontal directional drilling (HDD) technologies. Project Manager Mark Chijindu says that the HDD method allows the renewal to be undertaken much faster, and to a higher quality than otherwise, while maintaining the safety of workers on the project.
“Horizontal directional drilling is also better for the environment than open trenching as it lessens the impact on the surrounding residential assets and reduces fractures and soil disturbance,” said Chijindu.
The works commenced in February of this year, with New Lynn already completed, and the works in Kelston projected to be finished by 16 September.
Subscribe to Trenchless Australasia for the latest project and industry news.