Waikanae Treatment Plant upgrade set to begin

A 24-month, $17million upgrade to increase earthquake resilience and replace aged equipment at the Waikanae Water Treatment Plant gets underway next week. 

Sean Mallon, Kāpiti Coast District Council’s Group Manager Infrastructure Services, said the upgrade includes bringing the plant up to current seismic standards, building a new clarifier (a large settling pond which removes suspended solids from the water) as well as planned renewals of pumps and dosing equipment which are getting towards the end of their useful life.

“Before we start on the large structural works, utilities and a stormwater pipe need to be relocated. This is expected to take until May, then the major works will begin,” said Mr Mallon.

“The project is stage two of a planned three-staged upgrade of the Waikanae Water Treatment Plant. The award-winning first stage of the project was completed in 2015. It included a major upgrade to plant equipment and construction of the river recharge groundwater scheme. Stage three is currently planned for 2025-2028."

Funding for the stage two works includes a $5.2 million grant from the Government’s Three Waters Reform Programme.

Council is committed to providing safe, clean, reliable and resilient drinking water to homes and businesses. The Waikanae Water Treatment Plant is some of our district’s most important infrastructure. It provides drinking water to 41,000 people and businesses in Waikanae, Paraparaumu and Raumati.