$5.4m pipe upgrade at Takapuna Beach to prevent sewage spills

Caroline Williams Reporter from North Shore Times

Kia ora neighbours. A $5.4 million pipe upgrade could help prevent sewage from overflowing onto Takapuna Beach.

The upgrade of the 1.6km wastewater pipe, which runs the full length of the beach, began this week and would take until around August to complete, Watercare project manager Johan Gerritsen​ said.

Recent investigations found the pipe, built in the 1940s, was in urgent need of an upgrade.

“By relining this section of the pipe we’ll extend its life by 50 years and significantly reduce wastewater overflows in the area.”

The work would be done by a self-propelling device, which spins around inside the pipe to line it with plastic.

That would eliminate the need for workers to dig trenches to get to the pipe, meaning disruption to beachgoers would be minimal, road closures unnecessary and the pipe might still be used during the project.

“It’s also faster, cheaper and has a lower carbon footprint,” Gerritsen said.

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