A legacy of ageing water infrastructure posed significant risks to Dunedin city – Dunedin 3 Waters was the solution. Dunedin 3 Waters was an exciting and challenging project that developed a long-term strategy for managing the city’s drinking, waste and storm water. It detailed improvements, capital works, further engineering studies and a transparent decision making process.
The project pioneered a development strategy and was recognised as a showcase for advanced infrastructure asset management. WSP presented an integrated approach to respond to the challenges of increased community expectation, a more stringent regulatory environment and climate change.
We prepared infrastructure master plans for water and wastewater and integrated catchment management plans that were stormwater focussed. Plans outlined a programme to address deficiencies by prioritising improvements and capital works. Appropriate investment was achieved through a range of modelling and decision-making techniques.
The Three Waters reform project brought about significant results – the Council gained a better understanding of demand, growth potential and predicted effects of climate change. Demand management, grey water reuse and stormwater harvesting were shown to be unnecessary and uneconomic.
Operational efficiencies through better understanding the system have had an immediate impact on the local economy.
The approach used for ensuring the successful delivery of this project is considered as a model example that various organisations could learn from. The lessons learned as well as the experience and knowledge gained over the life of the project has been invaluable for the project team; and will be taken well into the future to benefit Dunedin’s community.
