Work is well underway on the new tank next to SH59.
A new wastewater storage tank being built near the Porirua railway station will improve Porirua’s wastewater network, reducing overflows of untreated wastewater into the harbour. The tank will capture excess water and pump it to the treatment plant when the amount of water in the network has reduced.
Currently when it rains heavily, the network of pipes and pump stations overflow, and wastewater can flow into streams and the harbour. Wellington region’s wastewater system is ageing, and parts of the network are over 120 years old and designed to protect public health, rather than the environment.
Porirua Mayor Anita Baker says the recent collapsed wastewater pipe in Bothamley Park highlights the importance of building the resilience and capacity of Porirua’s water infrastructure.
“Stopping our wastewater contaminating Te Awarua-o-Porirua Harbour is a high priority for Council and our community. Once completed, this project will have immediate benefits for the harbour, which is fantastic,” she says.
Paul Clarke, Tumuaki Māori, Wellington Water says Te Mana o te Wai, which focuses on restoring and preserving the balance between water, the environment, and people, is a key aspect to the project.
“Putting Te Mana o te Wai at the heart of water management is integral to our work and we have partnered with Porirua City Council and Ngāti Toa from the start,” Paul says.
Rawiri Faulkner, Pou Toa Matarau, Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira, says it’s important to have conversations about how to improve the wastewater network to better protect our communities and environment.
“The iwi has been and continues to be part of the project team to ensure the needs of mana whenua are at the forefront of design and implementation of the project,” Rawiri says.
Care has been taken to minimise the impact on the environment, including Kenepuru and Porirua Streams, and the habitat of native species. Extensive planting of native trees will screen the tank from view.
The project is due for completion in 2026. For more information about the project, visit: poriruacity.govt.nz/wastewater-tank-wellington-water
9 Apr 2024
