Construction of new water supply infrastructure along State Highway 30, just outside town, and Huna Road, is on track to be completed by the end of November.

The water mains construction project involves the installation of new drinking water pipes to support planned housing on Kawarehe Trust land on Huna Road and the recently rezoned land where Julian’s Berry Farm is located.

Three Waters manager Jim Finlay said about 620 metres of 400mm diameter polythylene drinking water pipe was being installed along SH30, and around 500 metres of 180mm pipe along Huna Road.

“The Kawarehe Trust has consent for 57 houses, and the Julian’s Berry Farm site has potential for around 175 houses, although the exact nature and scale of development will be confirmed through a comprehensive development plan or resource consent process,” Mr Finlay said.

The larger diameter pipe was designed to future-proof the supply for anticipated growth.

Asked about speculation from the public that the pipe would be used for bringing a new bore water source into town to replace the current water supply, which comes from the river, Mr Finlay said there had been no decision to do this.

However, he said the pipe was large enough to enable the option of sourcing water from an alternative groundwater source if the council chose to do this.

Construction began in early September and is progressing well.

“We appreciate the community’s patience while this important mahi is carried out.

“Please take care when travelling through the area and follow all temporary traffic management measures in place.”