Reducing overflows and protecting local waterways in Bayview and Beach Haven

Dec 18, 2023

Construction is underway on a $22m wastewater pipeline that will reduce the risk of overflows into local waterways like Kaipatiki Creek, improve access and service issues and cater for population growth in the Bayview and Beach Haven areas.

The new 2km pipeline from Kahika Pump Station to the existing pipeline from Easton Park Parade will replace a 50-year-old one that has experienced failures in the last two years, resulting in complex repairs and significant clean-up costs.

As part of the spend, Watercare – alongside its construction partner CB Civil & Drainage Limited – will also divert four local network catchments away from the existing wastewater pipeline for it to be removed from service. Large sections of the current pipeline will also be decommissioned.

The construction of the new pipeline will be completed early next year with the remaining diversion and decommissioning works on track to be completed by mid-next year.

Watercare project manager Alastair Stewart says the work is critical to catering for growth in the area and to help protect the environment from overflows.

"In the last few years we’ve seen leaks occur because of internal abrasion to both the concrete lining and the outer wall of the existing 450mm concrete-lined steel pipe.

"Luckily, the leaks have been near the southern side of Kaipatiki Creek, which was relatively accessible and straight-forward to clean up.

"The worry is that if a failure occurred at the northern side of Kaipatiki Creek or the bridge that carries the pipeline over the creek, the cost of the clean-up and repairs – and ultimately to the environment – would be huge."

Stewart says to help ensure the resilience of the pipeline it is being built using both 600mm polyethylene and 600mm fibreglass pipes that will carry twice as much as the current wastewater pipeline and are more resilient to internal abrasion.

"We understand that these works are highly disruptive for residents who live or commute on Kaipatiki Road, where much of this work is taking place. This is why our contractor will have two construction teams working on the pipeline simultaneously, which halves the time we’re on site.

Although most of the work will be carried out on the road reserve, to get the work done safely and at pace we’ll be reducing street parking, lane widths, speed limits, with detours for pedestrians and bus stops, and have traffic management in place for the duration of the works.

Traffic will also be reduced to one lane, with no access to Beach Haven from Easton Park Parade and Glenfield.

"We’re working with residents and local government agencies in the area to help reduce the impact of these disruptions," Stewart says.

"Work hours on the project will be from 7.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday with potential work on Saturdays.

"While the work may generate some noise and vibration, we want locals to be assured levels will be kept to a minimum and in accordance with Auckland Council and consent requirements.

"Once these works are completed, the Bayview and Beach Haven area will not only have a more resilient wastewater network, but one that is quicker for us to access and further away from important waterways. We thank everyone for their patience."