Temuka water main replacement confirmed

Timaru District Council today approved the $3.3 million project to replace 9.1km of water main supplying Temuka.

At an extraordinary meeting held in Timaru today (12/1) the council voted unanimously to approve the replacement of the current Asbestos Cement pipe with a new, larger diameter High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipe,

The project follows the positive identification that the source of higher than normal levels of asbestos in the Temuka water supply was due to the progressive internal failure of the current pipe.

The replacement of the water main between the town and its water source at the Orari River will be a permanent solution to the issue, enabling the removal of the temporary filtration plant and restoration of normal water usage in the town.

The project is aimed for completion by Easter.

Group Manager Infrastructure, Ashley Harper said that he was pleased they could now start the task of installing the new water main.

“Since the issue was first confirmed on 6 December, we’ve had our whole team working on both temporary and permanent solutions and I’m pleased that we can now get the final job underway.

“The temporary filtration plant that we put in place has been doing a great job, but with it came significant but necessary water restrictions, and I think it’s important that we thank everyone in Temuka for playing their part in ensuring that everyone in the town could access water when they needed it.

“This is a significant piece of work, but we’re working with suppliers and contractors to ensure it can be done quickly, effectively and to the highest standard, and we’re aiming to have the pipe in place and connected by Easter.”

The larger diameter HDPE pipe will be more flexible and earthquake resilient as well as double the supply capacity to the town. Plans for a reservoir for the town will be discussed next month as part of the Long Term Plan process.

The Council will be delivering information to every household in Temuka and Winchester regarding the project, which will commence in early February.

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