48 | Upgrade improves resilience The upgrade includes a new UV treatment building, installation of UV reactors, and a new 3500m3 concrete reservoir. Western Bay of Plenty District Council T T Kim Newth REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT A future-focused project is underway in Ōmokoroa to upgrade the community’s water- treatment plant and increase water-storage capacity. Brian Perry Civil won the tender to deliver this important project for The Western Bay of Plenty District Council, with works now starting on site. Drinking water for Ōmokoroa is sourced from four groundwater bores in the foothills of the Kaimai Ranges. It is piped to the plant for treatment before being supplied to the Ōmokoroa Peninsula. The upgrade includes a new UV treatment building, installation of UV reactors, and a new 3500m3 concrete reservoir to boost drinking water storage capacity for the area. “Part of this project – to upgrade the plant with UV treatment – was triggered by a governmental change in drinking water standards, while the reservoir component was driven by growth in housing and buildings in the Ōmokoroa community,” says Rhys Spicer, the council’s team lead capital projects. “We need the additional storage to ensure the supply is resilient.” Up until now, chlorine has been used to treat the area’s drinking water. Rhys says UV treatment adds another barrier against potentially harmful organisms, such as protozoa, to further protect the local potable water supply. “This UV treatment technology has been around for some years now and is a proven and effective treatment process.” The new reservoir will store enough water to provide security of supply in the event of operational breaks. It is also being built to withstand large earthquakes, ensuring the community will have access to drinking water in the event of such a natural disaster. Enabling works are being carried out currently, ahead of the next phase of ground improvements leading up to installation of the reservoir platform and associated pipework. Rhys says the design-and-build is being run concurrently. The mechanical and electrical fit-out is scheduled for later this year, with commissioning expected by early next year. “The existing treatment plant will remain operational right through to January 2026. Everything is being built around it, so as not to impact on the existing process. Once it’s all built, we’ll go through commissioning to bring the new portions online in a considered way that doesn’t disrupt supply.” Rhys says the council is confident the upgrade and new reservoir build is in capable hands. The Brian Perry Civil team brings extensive experience on similar treatment plant design-and- build contracts to this latest project. The Western Bay of Plenty District Council supplies drinking water to around 45,000 people through water infrastructure operating in their Western, Central and Eastern supply zones. Across the district, there are five water-treatment plants and a similar number of wastewater plants. “Almost every plant currently has a project underway. We have a number of large water- treatment upgrade projects, involving different supplies and different procurement processes. For example, Apex Water is currently doing upgrade projects at Waihi Beach and Katikati.” Rhys says the Ōmokoroa project is the last on the council’s water upgrade list. “By this time next year, all our water-treatment plants will be fully shipshape and compliant with Taumata Arowai [The Water Services Authority] requirements.” PROJECT MANAGEMENT Commercial | Residential | Education Health and Aged Care | Heritage | Seismic Local and Central Government | Heritage Infrastructure | Industrial octa.co.nz tauranga@octa.co.nz 07 282 7516 AUCKLAND | HAMILTON | | TAURANGA | NAPIER | NEW PLYMOUTH | NELSON WELLINGTON | CHRISTCHURCH | QUEENSTOWN | DUNEDIN Practical Advice Real Solutions Electrical Engineering • Automation & Controls Data & Digitisation • Machine Processes & Safety NZ Controls is an engineering consulting company providing professional electrical and automation services and advice. Based in Auckland, Tauranga and Christchurch, our customer-focused team of 40+ engineers works with manufacturers, utilities, OEMs, and more. As a trusted partner, we help drive value – delivering end-to-end turnkey projects, and fully customised services. With a significant presence in New Zealand and beyond, our work spans a diverse range of industries worldwide. Auckland - Tauranga - Christchurch Call 0800 080 229 enquiries@nzcontrols.co.nz NZ Controls provide electrical and control services to measure and control all aspects of manufacturing process. www.nzcontrols.co.nz
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