Aucklanders can expect to pay more for their water as Watercare embarks on the largest infrastructure investment programme in its history.
The utility today unveiled a $15.2 billion capital programme over the next decade, and said years of underinvestment have left Auckland needing major upgrades to its ageing water and wastewater networks. The plan includes more than 1000 projects across nine major infrastructure programmes, with around $4 billion in new and accelerated investment.
Speaking to 1News, Watercare chief executive Jamie Sinclair confirmed water charges would rise over time as the investment programme is delivered, but said it was too early to say by how much because pricing is regulated.
“Auckland is dealing with decades of underinvestment while continuing to grow,” Sinclair said.
“We’re renewing ageing assets, strengthening the resilience of our network and building the new infrastructure needed to support future growth – all at the same time.”
Among the biggest projects is the $1.7 billion Waikato Water Supply Programme, which will include a new raw water intake, a 50-kilometre pipeline, a new reservoir at Pukekohe West and a new water treatment plant. Once complete in 2033, it will increase the amount of treated drinking water supplied from the Waikato River to Auckland from 150 million litres a day to 300 million litres.
Other major investments include a $1.6 billion programme to improve water quality in the Waitematā Harbour, a $600 million upgrade of the Rosedale Wastewater Treatment Plant, and a $4.3 billion programme to renew ageing water and wastewater assets across Auckland.
Chief programme delivery officer Mark Crowle acknowledged Watercare had previously faced criticism over delivering major projects.
“People told me Watercare says it’s going to deliver projects, but then doesn’t actually follow through,” he said.
“I wouldn’t present this programme until I had confidence Watercare could actually deliver it.”
Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson said Auckland could no longer afford to delay investment.
“Aucklanders expect us to stop talking about the problems, fix them and build solutions,” she said.
“These are not optional investments. They are essential.”
Local Government Minister Simon Watts said the programme had been made possible through changes to Watercare’s funding model and would help support Auckland’s future growth.
“We cannot have Watercare stand in the way of Auckland’s growth,” Watts said.
“Auckland needs more homes, more businesses and more water infrastructure to support that growth.”
Watercare said several major projects would go to market over the next 12 months as it begins delivering what it says is the largest infrastructure investment programme in the organisation’s history.
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