Upgrading the wastewater network in Beachlands Maraetai is part of a $12 million renewals programme to improve Auckland’s wastewater infrastructure, Watercare says.

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

Watercare project manager Isileli Aholelei says crews have been investigating and renewing wastewater pipelines, manholes and household connections in the Pohutukawa Coast area since the middle of April.

“CCTV technology has enabled us to identify and get real-time footage of the defects, such as cracks and displaced joints, throughout the network.

“Being able to get real-time footage allows us to get a better picture of the issues in Beachlands’ and Maraetai’s wastewater network.

“When we began assessing the footage, we realised that to improve the network’s overall performance and longevity, we would need to extend the scope of our rehabilitation work from the initial 1.9km we had planned to 5.8km of the network.”

Aholelei says to get the job done at pace, Watercare has two crews working simultaneously: one undertaking the investigation work, with the other handling the relining.

“So far, we have managed to investigate and rehabilitate almost one kilometre of pipeline, 11 household connections and two manholes in the area.

“By the end of this month, our aim is to have 1.3km of pipeline, 25 household connections and 10 manholes rehabilitated.”

Aholelei says Watercare is using a tried-and-true trenchless method called Cured-In-Place-Pipe (CIPP) to reline the pipes.

“CIPP is a minimally invasive method that allows us to repair damaged sewer pipes without having to replace them.

“The installation involves inserting a flexible liner into the pipe via one manhole, which is then pulled through to the pipe’s next manhole.

“The liner, soaked in resin, is expanded and pushed against the original pipeline, filling all cracks.

“UV and heat curing then seal the resin-soaked felt to the pipe lining, creating a durable, leak-proof inner tube and providing complete structural repairs.”

Aholelei thanks the Pohutukawa Coast community for its patience, support, and cooperation while crews have been working there.

“Much of the work is taking place within public reserves, roadways, berms, and on residential properties, which may lead to localised traffic disruptions and temporary odours in the immediate vicinity.

“I’m proud of our crews who are working closely with residents to minimise disruptions while we carry out this critical work to improve the performance of the wastewater network in Beachlands and Maraetai.”

The renewals project is expected to be completed in August.