Contractors are testing and commissioning Taumarunui's new $2.8m, 4km ring water main connecting the Rangaroa reservoir with Bell Rd and Hakiaha St.
Executive Manager Infrastructure Vini Dutra said that the testing and commissioning of the new mains is a crucial step in the implementation of the new water main network.
"The testing and commissioning process serves a number of important purposes including pressure testing and flushing to help remove any contaminants that may have accumulated along with any excess chlorine from the disinfection process," he said.
Before the pipes are put into service, water samples are taken after flushing to test for water quality. This ensures the water meets required health and safety standards."
Mr Dutra said the new 450mm PE Bell Rd water main will form a 4km ring main with a new 180mm PE Hakiaha St water main via connections under Short St and the main trunk rail line.
"It provides an independent trunk main from Matapuna reservoir to Rangaroa reservoir designed to ensure water supply if there is any pipe failure within the CBD area.
New valves along Hakiaha St water will enable better management of the reticulated network in the CBD area and new fire hydrant connection points.
Combined with the upgrades to Hospital Hill, Golf Rd, Simmons Rd and other water works over recent years, these investments will significantly enhance the resilience of Taumarunui's reticulated network.
This will be a relief for residents and businesses that have suffered from water outages, as well as the Veolia crew, who often had to work overnight to repair the mains whenever they broke,” he said.
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