State of Wakefield’s water network ‘alarming’

The majority of Wakefield’s main water network will need completely replacing after a series of pipe failures over the last year uncovered a larger-scale problem.

The water supply covers the urban Wakefield area, Pigeon Valley and extends along Main Road Spring Grove as far as the Spring Grove church.

The pipes, which were laid in 1973-1975, had a life expectancy of approximately 80 years so haven’t previously been prioritised or budgeted for renewal.

However, it’s become apparent, following a series of bursts over the past year, that the lifespan of these particular mains is closer to 50 years.

“The situation is alarming, but not surprising considering the known reputation of asbestos cement pipes in certain conditions,” says Tasman District Council’s community infrastructure group manager, Richard Kirby.

He says the majority of the town’s water network will require renewal, but problematic sections have been prioritised for replacement.

“We are in the process of obtaining costs associated with the areas which have been identified. Renewal planning for the district is ongoing and part of the Activity Management Plan, but budget constraints limit the amount of work that can be done at any given time,” he says.

Richard says, when multiple unexpected failures arise, these pipes take precedence over previously identified areas.

“Certain areas are more at risk due to factors such as ground conditions, traffic , and previous bursts which may have compromised the existing network.”

A section of Edward St has been designated as “top priority” to ensure that water supply to the reservoirs and town is maintained, and to restrict flooding of private property.

In the interim, 100m of the water main in Edward St, that has led to damage on private property following failures, will be replaced.

“We have optimised pumping pressures in the network to reduce pressure fluctuations. As a result of this optimisation, the risk of bursts and leakages have been reduced.”

While a pipe may have been designed for a specific lifespan, factors such as ground conditions, installation quality, ground movement, and pressure fluctuations all play a role in its actual longevity.

“We have parts of the AC network, such as Champion Rd in Richmond, where similar pipes look as ‘good as new’,” Richard says.