Newer, stronger pipeline for Lower Hutt's eastern bays

Residents in Lower Hutt’s eastern bays can look forward to a more secure water supply as the Greater Wellington Regional Council begins work to replace the ageing Point Howard pipeline.

The old pipeline takes an indirect route from Gracefield to the Point Howard Pumping Station, which pumps water to the Point Howard reservoir, supplying all of the eastern bays. Much of the old pipeline is in soft soil, making it vulnerable in a big earthquake. The new section of pipeline will take a shorter route through more stable ground near the Wainuiomata Hill, making the pipeline much more secure.

“The old pipeline has served residents well but it was scheduled for replacement. This has presented an opportune time to align the new pipe along a more seismically secure route. The shorter route will also result in lower pumping costs, plus the new pipe will require less maintenance, which will also save money,” says Cr Nigel Wilson, Chair of the Regional Council’s Social and Cultural Wellbeing Committee.

The old pipeline won’t be completely abandoned – it will probably be used as a duct for other infrastructure.

The works will take place along Gracefield Road between Hutt Park Road and Seaview Road, beginning on 1 November and continuing until the end of February 2013. Disruptions during the project will be kept to a minimum but traffic on Gracefield Road will be down to one lane at times. On-street parking next to the work site will be restricted while construction is in progress. Access to all properties, driveways and footpaths will be maintained. The water supply to properties along Gracefield Road will not be affected.