Hillsborough water supply zone master plan - A comprehensive solution

In 2007/8 Metrowater engaged Opus International Consultants to undertake the master planning of the Hillsborough water supply zone in Auckland. This paper presents a case study of the project, focusing on the management tools used and the links to other water supply initiatives within Metrowater and the Auckland region. It demonstrates an integrated approach to water supply planning.

The master plan was guided by the asset management objectives of Metrowater. These were given in the request for proposals and carried through the project to direct the issues identification and option development and selection. This ensured the long term optimal solutions were synchronized with all the company objectives.

Metrowater’s risk matrix was used to establish the level of risk that is acceptable in key areas (e.g. security of supply) and to assist with the selection of a preferred option. A team approach was adopted at the project outset, involving Watercare and people from across the business including operations and maintenance, planning, modeling and GIS to gain buy-in and support at the project planning stage. This improved the understanding and acceptance of the solutions so they can be more easily implemented.

Metrowater, its maintenance contractor, consultants and Watercare the bulk water provider are improving the management, planning and operation of the water supply system on many fronts, applying a concerted and coordinated effort to raise the standard of service and deliver robust complete solutions.