Published 20/08/2021
Porirua pipeline replacement
Attribute to Ian McSherry, Manager Major Projects, Wellington Water
Update Friday 20 August, 5.10pm
Our crews will begin survey activity on Monday (23 August) ahead of work to replace a section of fragile pipe between the Whitford Brown interchange and Paremata.
The wastewater pipeline caused significant disruption after failing twice during heavy rainfall in July.
Despite repairs on 19 and 25 July, the pipeline remains at risk of failing again and is in urgent need of replacement.
The pipeline transports wastewater from Pukerua Bay, Whitby, Mana, Papakowhai, Plimmerton and Cambourne as an essential part of Porirua’s water network.
Work to replace the first section of pipe is expected to begin in late September as part of a 100-year life solution that will also allow for significant population growth in the area.
We understand the challenges of working during Alert Level 4 and the safety and wellbeing of our staff is a priority.
Our crews will take all the recommended safety precautions and use the necessary personal protection equipment.
We’d like to thank the public in advance for their patience as we carry out this important work.
Notes: Based on our criteria this project has been assessed as essential. This is currently our only live capital project to continue during Alert Level 4.
Attribute to Steve Hutchison Chief Advisor Wastewater, Wellington Water
Update Thursday 22 July, 3.45pm
The walkway in the northwest area of Onepoto, opposite Papakowhai, will be closed for the rest of the day.
Our crews are continuing to work in the area and daily water quality testing is ongoing.
We encourage members of the public to avoid swimming and gathering shellfish in the area.
Update Wednesday 21 July, 12pm
Operations were stable throughout the night following last weekend’s heavy rainfall.
The Porirua Harbour pipeline remains offline after the discovery of a fault yesterday.
Our crews are continuing to carry out tests on the pipeline today and the walkway remains closed.
Daily water quality testing is continuing, and we encourage members of the public to avoid swimming in the area until further notice.
The latest advice on recreational water quality can be found at lawa.org.nz
Members of the public are also advised not gather shellfish from the area.
Update Tuesday 20 July, 4.45pm
Last weekend’s severe weather event caused widespread overflows throughout the region.
On Saturday morning, our crews responded to a burst wastewater main between Whitford Brown interchange and Paremata.
During the repair of the pipeline on Sunday evening there was some additional overflow.
Our investigations also show the pipe remains in a fragile condition, despite the repair.
To alleviate pressure on the pipe we used an existing, unused, pipeline across the Porirua Harbour.
Unfortunately, the pipeline was found to have a fault this afternoon and some wastewater spilled in the northwest area of Onepoto, opposite Papakowhai, affecting the walkway and immediate area.
The pipeline was taken offline when the overflow was discovered, and the walkway has been temporarily closed.
Daily water quality testing is continuing, and we encourage members of the public to avoid swimming in the area until further notice.
The latest advice on recreational water quality can be found at lawa.org.nz