42 | Clutha District Council REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Improved water quality key driver for scheme The construction project has been split into two parts, with the pipeline supply and installation one separate contract, and the treatment plant and pump stations as another contract. T T Richard Loader When commissioned in 2024, the Clutha District Council’s Greenfield Water Scheme will amalgamate the Balmoral 1, Balmoral 2, Tuapeka East and Tuapeka West fixed supply restricted rural water schemes, as well as the Lawrence township water scheme. Rural consumers receiving a fixed restricted supply of water are allocated a set number of units/litres of water per/day to a water tank for human consumption and stock water. The Greenfield Water Scheme supply will come from a new bore field in an aquifer beside the Clutha River, near the Clydevale Bridge, and deliver a range of benefits to the farming community in the area, along with the residents of Lawrence township. The new combined scheme consists of approximately 40 kilometres of new pipe with a maximum diameter of 400mm. There will be one treatment plant and potentially five pump stations, future proofing the scheme against increased demand. The project involves the installation of new gravity and rising mains, pumping stations and reservoirs to transfer flows water from the new bores to existing reservoirs and townships. Amalgamating the water schemes will allow the decommissioning of the Lawrence, Evans Flat and Waitahuna water treatment plants, removing the need for seven existing resource consents and the high costs associated with those consents. Ben Gold, who is managing the project for the Council, says the Greenfield Water Scheme will provide an increase in water quantity, better continuity of supply and water quality that complies with the new drinking water standards. “The current water sources for the existing rural schemes are from small rivers and the water is very hard to treat, because it can be so variable following a heavy rain event. So improved water quality is a key driver for the project. “There is already a CDC scheme that takes water from that same aquifer and the water quality has proven to be very high. “Customers on the Balmoral and Tuapeka Schemes, are frequently receiving Boil Water notices, so they are they are looking forward to the new scheme and a significant improvement in the quality of water they enjoy.” Ben says water quantity is another key driver. Because the Clutha River is such a large source of water, CDC will be able to increase capacity and the number of units sold to consumers, upon application. For example, the Balmoral 1 and 2 Schemes are currently fully sold. The construction project has been split into two parts, with the pipeline supply and installation one separate contract, and the treatment plant and pump stations as another contract. “Southern Trenching and Excavation Limited were awarded the contract for the pipeline supply and installation project, and commenced excavation late February,” says Ben. “The pipeline supply and installation project is expected to be completed by the end of March 2024. Tenders have just closed for the treatment plant and pump stations, with tender evaluations the next step in the process.” Ben says there was a risk of securing pipe last year because of the significant number of key infrastructure projects around the country following the Government’s stimulus funding package in response to Covid-19. “Everyone wanted to buy pipe. As soon as the pipeline contract was awarded the contractor prudently ordered and secured pipe at a fixed price. Pipe supply has not been an issue so far. There could potentially be some long lead items for the pump station contract.” 0800 822 833 www.southroads.co.nz Specialists In: • Road Construction • Road Maintenance • Drainage • Earthworks • Aggregate Supply & Cartage • General Siteworks & Landscaping • Subdivisions & Driveways
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