Frimley water storage and treatment plant blessed

The completed Frimley water treatment and storage facility was blessed today [Dec 14] marking a “huge milestone” along Hastings’ journey to ensuring safe, resilient drinking water.

Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said the effort that had been put into working with the community on finding a site suitable for such large infrastructure, followed by the massive project to get the facility built, “has been nothing short of incredible”.

The 18-month, $24 million build was undertaken amid the challenges thrown up by Covid – including material and labour shortages and delayed shipping.

The water tank, originally scheduled to be shipped directly from the United Kingdom, ended up taking a circuitous journey via Malaysia and Taiwan, affected firstly by the Suez Canal blockage and then Covid-related restrictions, adding months to the delivery date.

“I could not be more proud, especially when we have had such positive feedback from the community,” Mrs Hazlehurst said.

“While it is huge, it sits comfortably on its site, surrounded by mature trees and with architectural elements that help it meld into the landscape.”

“I commend the Council team and the contractors for doing such a wonderful job.”

Following the blessing, councillors were guided through the facility.

“This technology is a legacy that Council and the community have put in place that will provide our children and grandchildren with safe drinking water.”

The Hastings Drinking Water Strategy 2018, was developed following the Havelock North drinking water contamination. All but one of the major projects in the strategy have been completed – a new mains pipe between Havelock north and Hastings, the Havelock North pump station, eight small community drinking water facility upgrades, and the Frimley water treatment and storage facility.

The Waiaroha water treatment and storage facility on Southampton St East would be the final piece of the puzzle, due to be completed mid-way through next year.

Frimley facility facts:

8,000,000 litre storage reservoir

1,500m of reticulation pipelines

Three new water supply bores

430 square metre water treatment plant building

400 l/s pumping capacity

UV, chlorine and fluoridation treatment

Return of 0.2ha of maintenance area for park redevelopment.

16 December 2022

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