Wastewater upgrades underway in Newmarket

We are upgrading 1.4km of the wastewater network in Newmarket as part of a $12 million annual renewals programme to improve Auckland’s wastewater infrastructure.

The renewal programme aims to enhance network resilience and address issues within Auckland’s wastewater network, which spans approximately 8800 kilometres.

Design and construction manager Johan Gerritsen says crews have been investigating and renewing the wastewater pipelines, manholes and connections since mid-April.

“We’re using CCTV technology to give us valuable insights into Newmarket’s ageing wastewater network – much of which has been difficult to access in the past.

“By using CCTV we’ve been able to get a clear picture of the network’s condition to help us plan future renewals to further reduce the volume and frequency of overflows in the area.”

Gerritsen says to minimise disruption to businesses, pedestrians, and traffic in the Newmarket shopping precinct, much of the investigation and renewal work is being carried out at night.

“Besides reducing disruptions, another benefit of doing this work at night is the volume of wastewater in the network is a lot lower, making it easier and quicker to carry out the renewal and investigation work.

“However, once we get to the more suburban areas later this month, we will begin carrying out these works during the day.

Photo: Much of the investigation and renewal work is being conducted at night to minimise disruption to businesses, pedestrians, and traffic in the Newmarket shopping precinct.

Gerritsen says crews are using an advanced trenchless pipeline rehabilitation method called steam-cured lining to reline the pipes.

“Steam-cured lining is a minimally invasive, cured-in-place pipe method that allows us to rehabilitate sections of the wastewater network without the need for a full pipe replacement.

“The process involves inserting a flexible liner into the existing pipe and inflating it with air pressure, so it expands and adheres to the pipe walls.

“Boilers then generate steam, which is introduced into the pressurised liner to cure and harden in place.

“Once curing is complete, cool air is circulated through the pipe to solidify the liner and prevent shrinkage.

“All of this is able to be done with the pipes still in service.

Gerritsen thanks the community for their support, patience and cooperation while crews have been working in the area.

“I’m proud of our crews, who are working overnight to carry out this critical work to improve the performance of the wastewater network in Newmarket.

“We are currently on track to have these renewals completed in Newmarket by September.”