Waimea Bore Water Upgrade
Protecting every drop.
Project Overview
Client Tasman District Council
Location Richmond, Tasman
Service Water Infrastructure
Project Value $1.296M
Duration April 2020 – January 2021
Completed 2021
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1.2km trunk watermain upgrade
450mm PVC pipeline installation
Critical drinking water infrastructure
Water Protection Management Plan developed
Greenfield and live network construction
Safe delivery with zero LTIs
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The Waimea Bore Water Upgrade wasn't simply a pipeline replacement—it was an investment in one of Tasman's most critical pieces of public infrastructure.
The project involved replacing a 1970s asbestos cement watermain with 1.2 kilometres of new 450mm PVC pipeline connecting five production bores near Lower Queen Street. Together, these bores supply drinking water to Mapua, Ruby Bay and approximately 60% of Richmond, making the protection of the water source as important as the construction itself.
The project extended through a busy urban corridor connecting Gladstone Road, Wensley Road and several residential streets. Along the alignment sat more than 50 properties, multiple early childhood centres and schools, while beneath the surface lay a complex web of existing water, wastewater, power and telecommunications services that had to remain operational throughout construction.
The project presented far more than a conventional pipeline installation. The proposed alignment crossed an operational school, a former landfill site, busy public roads, recreational facilities and existing underground services. The original construction methodology also relied on long directional drill installations, introducing significant technical, financial and programme risk before construction had even begun.
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Working around a drinking water source leaves little room for compromise.
Construction took place through a combination of greenfield environments, metalled access roads and operational orchard land, while groundwater conditions and proximity to the production bores demanded rigorous environmental controls. Every construction activity needed to protect water quality, maintain network reliability and meet strict compliance requirements throughout delivery.
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Tasman Civil worked closely with Tasman District Council and network operators to establish a construction methodology that placed drinking water protection at the centre of every decision. A comprehensive Drinking Water Protection Management Plan was developed before works commenced, providing clear processes to manage environmental risks and safeguard the integrity of the bore field throughout construction.
Careful planning, quality assurance and disciplined site management ensured construction activities were completed without compromising the operational water supply. The team coordinated effectively with stakeholders, managed construction through varying site conditions and maintained a strong focus on both environmental stewardship and technical quality.
Throughout the project, Tasman Civil combined practical civil construction expertise with a clear understanding of the responsibilities that come with working around essential public infrastructure, delivering a modern pipeline designed to serve the region for decades to come
Traffic management was carefully staged to minimise disruption while maintaining safe access for residents, schools and local businesses. Temporary parking areas, clearly defined pedestrian routes and ongoing communication with affected stakeholders helped ensure the surrounding community could continue operating safely while construction progressed.
As work advanced, the team responded collaboratively to unforeseen challenges, including repeated failures of the existing watermain that required emergency repairs by others. Tasman Civil adjusted traffic management, reallocated resources and assisted with excavation and reinstatement to help restore water services as quickly as possible, demonstrating a flexible, project-first approach throughout delivery.
That collaborative mindset continued throughout delivery. A shared Project Charter aligned the client, consultant and contractor around common objectives, while regular site meetings, team workshops and open communication ensured decisions could be made quickly and confidently as the project evolved.
Technically, the works demanded precise management of deep excavations, dewatering, service crossings and polyethylene pipeline construction. Every PE butt weld and electrofusion weld passed quality assurance testing first time, allowing the full 1.6-kilometre pipeline to be pressure tested successfully as a single installation before commissioning.
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The completed watermain provides a more reliable and resilient connection between Richmond's production bores and the wider water network, replacing ageing infrastructure with a modern pipeline capable of supporting future demand.
More importantly, the project demonstrated Tasman Civil's ability to work confidently within highly sensitive operational environments where quality, environmental protection and public confidence are equally critical. By delivering the upgrade safely and responsibly, the team helped protect one of the region's most valuable assets—its drinking water supply.
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Water Infrastructure
Trunk Watermains
Critical Drinking Water Infrastructure
Environmental Management
Drinking Water Protection
Greenfield Construction
Stakeholder Coordination
Quality Assurance
Risk Management
Civil Infrastructure Delivery
