Contract signed, Watercare growth pipeline for Warkworth to kick off in new year

Watercare has signed a contract with McConnell Dowell for the delivery of the Warkworth growth-servicing pipeline – the final piece in a $450 million programme to transform wastewater services in the Warkworth and Snells/Algies areas.

Watercare chief programme delivery officer Suzanne Lucas says the pipeline is a critical piece of infrastructure for the region.

“This is the last piece in the puzzle of a $450 million programme that’s transforming wastewater services for Warkworth and Snells/Algies, so it’s really exciting to have the contract signed and construction ready to begin in the new year.”

Earlier this year, Watercare opened the state-of-the-art Snells Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant and commissioned the Warkworth Street Pump Station and transfer pipeline.

The Warkworth growth-servicing pipeline will run from the Warkworth Showgrounds to the new Warkworth Street Pump Station.

“Once complete, this pipeline will almost eliminate wet-weather overflows to the Mahurangi River and support growth in northern Warkworth, so it’s an incredibly important piece of infrastructure for the region,” Lucas says.

Warkworth’s population is growing rapidly, with 20,000 more people expected to move to the area in the next few decades. This growth has placed increasing pressure on wastewater infrastructure, making the growth-servicing pipeline critical for environmental protection and public health.

“Originally, the pipeline was planned for completion in 2028, but we’ve accelerated the work and split it into two stages to deliver the environmental benefits sooner,” Lucas says.

“Stage one will be completed by December 2026, and when it’s in service, it will resolve the bottleneck in the network that’s been driving overflows.”

The second stage of the pipeline is expected to be completed and in service in late 2027. This will support new housing in the area north of the river.

Watercare is investing an additional $2.5 million to fast-track stage one.

“Work will start early next year with service relocations, followed by shaft excavation for tunnelling. McConnell Dowell is developing a detailed construction programme, and we’ll share more details in the new year,” Lucas says.

Delivering the pipeline is complex work.

“Construction has to be carried out while the wastewater network continues to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, serving homes and businesses across the area. Careful staging is essential to manage risk, protect public health and keep services running while we build.”

Lucas says Watercare is continuing to improve its network while the pipeline is being built.

“We’ve recently completed upgrades around Kowhai Park, including relining pipes, rebuilding manholes, and installing a larger diameter pipe on Great North Road. This, together with an upgrade in the town centre we delivered in winter, is already reducing the frequency and volume of overflows. Every bit helps while we’re working to deliver the growth-servicing pipeline as quickly and efficiently as possible.”