A new 24 million litre reservoir that boosts Hamilton’s ability to cope with emergencies is a finalist in the Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) EXCELLENCE Awards.
Now in their fourth year, the Awards recognise and celebrate the key leadership role that local government plays in communities around the country.
The Rototuna Reservoir Project is a finalist for the Chorus EXCELLENCE Award for Best Practice in Infrastructure.
The project is about more than just water storage, with the 4.2km of twin bulk mains allowing water to be pumped to the reservoir from the water treatment plant at the same time water is being supplied to the network.
The reservoir connects to Hamilton’s ring water main system and, if required, can pump water to any part of the city, alleviating reliance on the city’s sole treatment plan during times of emergency.
Currently, 90 percent of the city’s potable water storage is on the western side of the Waikato River. Because the new reservoir is located in the northeast of the city, it will reduce reliance on strategic pipe crossings of the river.
The design, featuring two 12 million litre compartments provides further resilience, with one side able to supply water during maintenance of the other compartment.
Smart engineering solutions included pre-loading the site with thousands of tones of rock, avoiding the need for expensive piling, with the rock later used on the Waikato Expressway.
Judges praised Hamilton City Council for taking a long-term approach to water supply.
“By building a reservoir in another part of the city the council is improving its resilience and at the same time getting ahead of growth. The council worked with partners and communicated well with the community.”
LGNZ President Lawrence Yule said the finalists in the EXCELLENCE Awards showcased outstanding leadership being provided by local government throughout the country.
“Local government is at the centre of every community in New Zealand, helping shape the environment in which we work and play,” Mr Yule says.
“Being named as a finalist is a great achievement and reflects the vision shown by councils and the innovative work being done by staff. The finalists include some truly exceptional projects that are having a profound impact on communities.”
Local authorities were invited to submit award applications in five categories:
- Fulton Hogan EXCELLENCE Award for Community Engagement
- Creative New Zealand EXCELLENCE Award for Best Creative Place
- Air New Zealand EXCELLENCE Award for Environmental Impact
- Chorus EXCELLENCE Award for Best Practice in Infrastructure
- Crown Fibre Holdings EXCELLENCE Award for Best Practice Contribution to Local Economic Development
Judges for the awards are former Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast, Chair of EQC Sir Maarten Wevers and The New Zealand Initiative’s Executive Director, Dr Oliver Hartwich.