Onehunga – Watermain Renewals
We’re upgrading the aged water pipes in the Onehunga area, to support a safer, more reliable network for your community.
Duration
Throughout 2026 and early 2027
Location
Onehunga
Status
Construction
Project overview
The Onehunga Watermain Renewals programme is an essential and long-term investment to improve the infrastructure and reliability of water delivery across the Onehunga area. Much of the local water network is made up of cast iron pipes that are around 100 years old. Over time, sections of these pipes have corroded on the inside, are causing ongoing discoloured‑water issues that some residents have experienced.
Because these pipes are old and the issue is widespread, repairing small sections is no longer enough to fix the problem. To fully address the issues Watercare is planning a staged programme over the coming years to replace all aged watermain pipes across the entire Onehunga supply zone. Replacing these older pipes is the most effective way to improve water quality and ensure the network can keep supporting local homes and businesses into the future.
When will the works start?
Starting mid-late April 2026, our contractor, Kerry Drainage & Civil, will start investigation works in multiple locations and have planned to start construction works in work area 1, along a section of Arthur Street. (see map below)
How will these works affect you?
We’ll let you know before anything happens; residents and businesses directly affected by the works will receive a notice in their letter box with more details.
The maps below provide an overall view of work areas 1 and 2, along with a closer look at the each work area . Please note that work areas are not an indication to the order of delivery.
Map - Onehunga Water Renewals Programme
Work area 1
Work area 2
A note about discoloured water
The improvement to water appearance will take time. Because the pipes in Onehunga are very old, discoloured water may continue to appear while we work through the upgrade programme. In some areas, it may even get a little worse before it gets better.
This doesn’t mean the water is unsafe; it’s a long standing aesthetic issue caused by the age of the pipes and the water is safe to drink.
If you experience discoloured water, please run your outside tap (closest to your water meter) for about 10 minutes to clear your private water pipes. For more information about what you can do if you experience it at your property click here.
As we replace more of the old network over the coming years, these discolouration issues will steadily reduce and eventually be resolved.
Thank you for your patience and collaboration whilst we carry out this essential work for the Onehunga community.