A milestone for the construction of Tauranga's third water treatment plant has been reached.

The first phase of construction of the water mains trunk has been awarded to HEB Construction.

Work is expected to get underway next month.

It's to build a 9km long pipeline, connecting the reservoir at the intersection of Poplar Lane and Te Puke Highway with the Eastern Reservoir on Welcome Bay Road.

Tauranga City Council Environment Committee Chair Steve Morris says this change in approach is not expected to delay the opening of the Waiari Water Supply Scheme.

'Water will be top of mind for most Tauranga residents, considering the current water restrictions.

'The new water treatment plant will help ease the pressure on our water supply in the warmer months of summer, and this work brings us a bit closer to that,” says Steve.
'The Waiāri Water Supply Scheme includes the development of a new water abstract facility at the Waiāri Stream, a water treatment plant at 315 No.1 Road, Te Puke, and an underground water pipeline from the plant to Poplar Lane and the Eastern Reservoirs.”

Steve says the other two phase of work are still out for tender.

That's around a 4km long pipeline from water processing plant down No 1 Road and across Landscape Road and another 9.4km long pipeline through farm land across Te Puke Highway to Poplar Lane.

The plant will mainly service the Papamoa coastal strip/Te Tumu growth areas and provide a backup for Western Bay of Plenty District Council's Te Puke water supply.

'Ample consideration was given to recognise Iwi's relationship with the river, minimise disruption to Te Puke locals, create employment opportunities for local residents and ensure the best value for money for Tauranga ratepayers,” says Steve.

The construction is expected to be completed in 2021 at a cost of $115 million.