Watercare has completed a major new connection into the Mt Albert reservoir, boosting water security and network resilience for Mt Albert, Ōwairaka and Wesley while increasing capacity to support growth across Auckland’s inner west.
The works form part of Watercare’s $95 million Mt Roskill programme, which also includes a new booster pump station on Dominion Road and 5.6 kilometres of watermains in Waikōwhai.
Together, the upgrades are expected to support around 4,000 new homes.
The Mt Roskill programme sits within Watercare’s wider $13.8 billion capital investment plan from 2025 to 2034, that will see it deliver long-term infrastructure to support a growing Auckland for generations to come.
Installing the connection on La Veta Ave.
The upgrade brings the first half of the 3.2 kilometres of new watermains into service, linking the reservoir on Ōwairaka / Te Ahi‑kā‑a‑Rakataura / Mt Albert with new, larger pipes in La Veta Avenue and Richardson Road, which will enable more efficient water distribution and resilience in the network.
Albert-Eden-Puketāpapa Ward Councillor Julie Fairey says the upgrades are important to support the growing community.
“The water infrastructure upgrades Watercare has been carrying out across Mt Albert, Ōwairaka and Wesley will help ease pressure and improve resilience across the network, as more people choose to make Auckland’s inner west their home.
Crews get to work in the Mt Albert Reservoir.
“The Mt Roskill programme is part of Watercare’s long-term investment in infrastructure to support a growing Auckland, with a focus on smarter planning, disciplined delivery, environmental stewardship and strong partnerships.”
Watercare project manager Peter Kukulsky says the connection marks an important milestone for the project, delivering a new bulk water supply into the local network and improving the flow of water across the wider system.
“This new connection ties directly into the reservoir on the southern side of Ōwairaka / Te Ahi‑kā‑a‑Rakataura / Mt Albert, strengthening the resilience of our network."
The connection in place on Ōwairaka, Te Ahi‑Kā‑A‑Rakataura, Mt Albert.
Kukulsky says the team spent around three weeks completing pre‑connection work, including pressure testing and disinfection to meet strict water quality standards.
"The team is on track to have the booster pump station and Waikōwhai watermains in service by August.
“Once in service, the new booster pump station will be able to pump up to 200 litres of water per second into the network, roughly doubling the amount of water available to the community.
“The upgraded Waikōwhai pipeline will also have greater capacity to transport larger volumes of water from the pump station to nearby homes and businesses.
“Together, these infrastructure projects are helping to ensure a reliable and resilient water supply for Auckland’s growing inner-west communities, now and into the future.”