Tauwharenikau River Water Pipe Repairs
On behalf of South Wairarapa District Council, we are working to replace the water pipe that crosses the Tauwharenikau River and serves the Featherston network.
If you have any questions about this work, please contact:
Wellington Water, 04 912 4400
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Current Status
As the peak winter water flow creates added stress on the exposed pipeline work is required to reduce the risk of immediate pipe failure and enable a sustainable water supply to Featherston.
The repair will be undertaken in two phases: the first to ensure the existing pipe is protected during the winter period and to also provide protection for when the permanent pipe replacement solution is undertaken. The second phase, which will be done during lower water flow, will be to replace the pipe entirely.
The contractor, Fulton Hogan, are experienced in this type of work and have demonstrated value for money through a tendering process. While Fulton Hogan is a large company, it maintains a substantial footprint in the Wairarapa area and employs many local people and sub-contractors.
Featherston’s water network serves a population of approximately 2,500 people with 36 kilometres of watermain. The watermain is supplied by a transmission pipe from the Waiohine Water Treatment Plant and crosses the Tauwharenikau River.
In 2021 Wellington Water (WWL) identified that the section of the pipe which crosses the river had become exposed due to changing environmental conditions resulting in erosion of the pipeline and scouring of the riverbed beneath. The recommendation to Council was to repair with urgency. The final approval to proceed was received in early 2025.
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The rock protection area has been completed which will provide further resilience during the winter period until the replacement works can take place. This is expected to be in summer when the river levels drop sufficiently.
Works are currently underway with the work to protect the exposed water pipe during the peak winter period when the water flow is high.
The protection work involves placing large rocks behind the exposed pipe to prevent scouring under the pipe which, by changing the water current, will promote the build-up of sediment in front of the pipe. This build-up will protect the pipe from debris coming from upstream.
The works are due to be completed by 9 May.