The Central Otago District Council (CODC) is starting work on a $6.4 million upgrade to Cromwell township’s water supply pipeline in February.
The Cromwell Rising Main project is the first stage of a significant programme of work to provide a fully compliant water supply for Cromwell. This programme will also provide increased capacity to meet the growth needs of the rapidly growing population in Cromwell and surrounding areas. The initial stage consists of building a dedicated 630mm diameter pipe main from the existing bore field, which is alongside Lake Dunstan near the Alpha Street Reserve, to the Cromwell Reservoir site above the State Highway 6/State Highway 8b intersection. The second stage of the programme will consist of constructing a new treatment plant at the reservoir site, and upgrade of the bores. Construction of the second stage is expected to be tendered later this this year.
The pipe construction is expected to take 7-8 months to complete. The new water main will run along Neplusultra Street, Barry Avenue, Lode Lane, through the Cromwell Mall, across to SH 8B to SH6 and then to the reservoir site on McNab Road.
Excavation will be completed in sections, starting at Alpha Street reserve and McNab Road, and moving into the centre of town by May-June this year.
This initial investigatory work will identify the existing underground services, before digging commences. Works will commence at the Alpha Street football club carpark in February.
The project is expected to cause some disruption to the Cromwell community. CODC Project Manager, Josh Wight said, “Works will be constrained to road verges and footpaths where possible. Traffic management, including some detours will be in place to allow the installation of the pipeline.”
Council and their contractor HEB Construction Ltd. will work together to make contact with all neighbouring households and businesses who will be directly affected.
The Cromwell Rising Main project is an integral part of Council’s water infrastructure programme, aimed at meeting drinking water quality standards and allowing for growth in this region.
Council Three Waters Director, Julie Muir said, “Council turned on the taps at the new
Lake Dunstan Water Supply in 2023, which serves Alexandra and Clyde. Work for Cromwell has taken longer while we make sure that what is built is future-proofed to meet the growth needs of Cromwell.”
Updates on this project can be found on the Central Otago District website by clicking this link: Infrastructure Projects - Central Otago District Council (codc.govt.nz), as well as through social media notifications as work progresses.
