Updates on work to deliver significant wastewater infrastructure upgrades across the Upper Clutha.
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Upper Clutha Wastewater Conveyance Scheme
Newsletter #1 | September 2025
Welcome to our first newsletter on the Upper Clutha Wastewater Conveyance Scheme.
Read on for updates on work to deliver significant wastewater infrastructure upgrades across the Upper Clutha.
About the project
We’re upgrading the Upper Clutha’s wastewater network, which will ultimately increase the capacity and resilience of Hāwea, Albert Town, and Wānaka’s wastewater systems, and minimise the chance of contaminants entering the natural environment.
Key parts of the project include:
- Construction of a new wastewater pump station (WWPS) at Domain Road in Hāwea.
- Installation of over 20km of a new wastewater pipeline between Hāwea, Albert Town, Riverbank Road in Wānaka, and Project Pure Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP).
- Upgrades to the existing Riverbank Road WWPS.
- Upgrades to the Project Pure WWTP inlet.
- Decommissioning of the Hāwea WWTP once the township’s wastewater is being conveyed to Project Pure WWTP.
Once complete, these upgrades will mean wastewater from Hāwea is treated and disposed of at Project Pure. They’ll also enable future connection of Hāwea Flats and Hāwea Campground, and allow for flows from Wānaka and Albert Town to be managed by two pump stations. That’s a network that can handle the Upper Clutha’s wastewater needs well into the future, and one that’s more resilient in the event of any unforeseen issues too!
Work to install sections of the new wastewater pipeline will be staged across nine different zones around the network – but more on that and how we’ll minimise disruption below!
First stage of work underway near Project Pure
Installation of the new pipeline kicked off today (Thursday 25 September) near Project Pure WWTP, which includes trenching from Project Pure and down the shoulder of Stevenson Road towards State Highway 6 (SH6). We’re calling work on this section of pipe Zone 7.
Initially, we’re not expecting construction alongside Stevenson Road to impact residents and road users, as most of this work will be completed in adjacent paddocks.
Some additional noise, vibrations, and construction machinery movements should be expected in the area.
Work in Zone 7 is expected to be completed by November 2025.
630D pipes ready to be installed near Stevenson Road. Each pipe is 18 metres long and weighs just under two tonnes!
Next stage of work
During October and November, additional crews will start working on Zone 6B and installing the next section of pipeline running alongside SH6, from Cardrona River and Paddons Paddock all the way along to connect with Stevenson Road.
Most of the work here will take place in the shoulder of SH6, but there may be short sections of stop/go required in tight sections.
We’ll share more information on our project website and in
future newsletters on any potential stop/go if and when they’re likely to be needed.
Future zones
We’ve detailed the different zones of work and the potential disruption to expect on the Upper Clutha Wastewater Conveyance Scheme webpage. You’ll also find a map of each zone, identifying where the new wastewater pipeline will be installed.
Some zones don’t have a specific start date yet – but we'll update them as crews make progress and we confirm when work will begin in each one.
Timeline of works
We expect construction of the pipelines and pump stations to be completed by early 2027, nearly a year earlier than initially anticipated. The Hāwea WWTP will be decommissioned over 12 – 18 months once the new pump stations and pipelines are operating.
Potential disruption around the Upper Clutha
As with any large construction project, some disruption is likely once work takes place closer to Albert Town and Hāwea.
Disruption is likely to include noise, vibration, and increased construction machinery movements around work sites.
Large parts of the new pipeline running from Hāwea to Project Pure will be installed on the side of State Highway 6 (SH6) or within rural road corridors, meaning we can limit most of the project’s impact with sections of temporary traffic management while these works are completed.
Other key impacts to be aware of include:
Bridge works: We expect increased disruption and the use of detours while installing the new pipeline on Camp Hill Road Bridge and Albert Town Bridge.
Albert Town works: Construction will be more noticeable as the project progresses through Albert Town from the bridge, and along SH6 to Mt Iron Roundabout.
Detailed updates about these zones of work will be shared closer to their start dates and well in advance, once we have more information on timing of works and the duration of any potential bridge closures from the contractor.
The contractor delivering these works
The contract for this work was awarded to Fulton Hogan.
Anna Sinclair, Fulton Hogan’s Regional Manager, shared:
“We’re proud to be partnering with QLDC on this vital infrastructure project for Upper Clutha communities. Our dedicated local team will be focused on delivering high-quality work efficiently, while doing everything we can to keep disruption to a minimum.”
Got a question, or want to raise an issue?
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about this project or specific zones of work, please contact us on 03 443 0024 or email services@qldc.govt.nz.
