New Water Scheme in Historic Akaroa

CH2M Beca has assisted Christchurch City Council (CCC) to upgrade the water supply system in Akaroa and Takamatua to meet the Drinking Water Standards for New Zealand (DWSNZ). Although only a small community water supply, many challenges were faced during the upgrade – during both design and construction. The project illustrates how upgrading water supplies for small communities can be both costly and complex. 

Akaroa is a historic township, and its cultural values are significant for the community, iwi and Heritage New Zealand. In summer Akaroa hosts regular cruise ships which can introduce up to 3,000 visitors to the town on any one day. The original water supply system comprised six raw water sources feeding to three water treatment plants. An options study in 2009 showed that centralising on a single treatment plant was the most economic long term option for the community, and best utilised the scarce water resources. A membrane treatment process was selected for the centralised plant. 

This paper outlines the options, constraints and considerations that were worked through to decide a final scheme configuration and how the project team and CCC worked with stakeholders and residents to overcome the challenges that arose during construction and commissioning.