The first phase of a $17 million programme of upgrades for Mapua’s water and wastewater network will be brought forward to reduce supply disruptions, cater for population growth, and increase the resilience of the system.

The Tasman District Council today decided to begin work on designing the system upgrades and purchasing any land needed this year, allowing critical elements to be completed by 2020.

The first phase of upgrades will include:

• Replacement of water pipe on Aranui Road and Stafford Drive

• Replacement of the water trunk main from the Waimea Treatment Plant to Mapua, between Best Island and the Mapua Channel

• A new wastewater pump station and rising main at Stafford Drive

Further improvements will be carried out from 2020 onwards, and include increased water storage capacity and extra wastewater storage.

Engineering Services Committee chairman Stuart Bryant said the water pipes serving Mapua had not lasted as well as they should have, and frequent breakages were affecting residents and businesses.

“Replacing those pipes has become urgent, which is why we’ve decided to bring forward the upgrades and begin work this year.”

In addition, the wastewater system was inundated with stormwater in heavy rain, and needed additional storage to prevent overflows, Cr Bryant added.

“Mapua’s water and wastewater infrastructure is at capacity. As well as providing good-quality, resilient infrastructure for the current population, we need to cater for growth. Mapua is one of the fastest-growing settlements in Tasman District, so that will be a key consideration in designing an improved system for the area.”

ENDS

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