A major upgrade to Invercargill's main water pipeline is set to begin this month (Aug 2022).

The Branxholme Pipeline Upgrade, expected to cost $25.35 million, will see more than 10km of pipe installed through several city streets, along a state highway and under two rivers.

Invercargill City Council Group Manager Finance and Assurance Michael Day said work would begin on North Rd this month and was expected to take about 18 months to complete.

Branxholme Pipeline Upgrade Phase 1 Map. Source: ICC

The first stage of the project would involve the installation of a 7km section of pipe between Pomona Rd West, near Makarewa, and the Waikiwi Water Reservoir in Meyers Reserve, as well as a new 3.5km section of pipe between the Waikiwi reservoir and the city water tower on Gala St.

“The existing pipeline is nearing the end of its range of service life and needs to be replaced to ensure the continuation of the city’s water service", Day said.

“The pipe there now was installed in 1958, so it’s timely to upgrade this key piece of infrastructure that supplies our city with water. The new pipes are designed to last for over a century, so we’re really doing our bit for the future."

A “drill shot”, where specialist machinery lays pipeline underneath an existing water source, would be undertaken at the Waikiwi Stream and at the Waihōpai River.

Pipe would also be laid through the Lorneville roundabout, in conjunction with Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency.

There would likely be some disruption for residents living and travelling along the pipeline route, and they will be contacted and kept informed about what is happening, Day said.

For more information see https://icc.govt.nz/projects/branxholme-pipeline-upgrade/

Invercargill city and Bluff get their water solely from the Ōreti River via the Branxholme Water Treatment Plant at Branxholme. Water is supplied to the city through two Branxholme trunk supply mains, both which were initially installed in 1958.

One of the 600mm pipelines was upgraded in 2014.