Water network upgrades will support future growth in Pukekohe area

We have completed a $2m project to ultimately increase the capacity of the water network in Pukekohe and Buckland.

Over the past two months crews installed two new bulk supply points on Pukekohe East Road which will allow more water to be distributed through the network, supporting current and future growth in Pukekohe and Buckland.

The bulk supply points will allow us to manage the flows, regulate pressure in the network and test the quality of the water.

Although both bulk supply points are complete, only one will be brought into service once the rest of the infrastructure is installed, says project manager Veluppillai Thavarajah.

“Once the infrastructure is ready, we’ll bring one of the bulk supply points into service to supply water to around 1500 houses planned for construction in the area.

“To connect the bulk supply points to the existing network, we are planning to undertake connection works in early June. This will involve a temporary shutdown of the large watermain supplying Pukekohe.

“It will take our team about 16 hours to carry out this work, but all our customers will continue to have water because the team will ensure that the reservoir supplying the area will have enough water storage for the duration of the work.

“The other bulk supply point will be brought into service at a later date when it’s needed to supply water to future developments.”

Thavarajah says we opted to install both bulk supply points at the same time to reduce costs and disruptions.

“We appreciate people’s patience with us as our crews worked to install pipework, valves and fittings needed to bring these bulk supply points to fruition.”

Franklin ward councillor Andy Baker says it's great to see Watercare stepping up to support growth in the area.

“The new bulk supply points get things moving for early development, and with plans in place for extra infrastructure, it shows Watercare is serious about enabling growth in the area.”

Above: Water