Council has contracted Tru-Line Civil to carry out 2.2km of wastewater pipeline renewals in the district.

The $2.57 million contract was awarded recently, with work programmed to start within the next two weeks.

Infrastructure and Open Spaces Group Manager Neil McCann said the condition of Council’s wastewater pipes was regularly assessed using CCTV and that helped inform the renewal works.

“We have just over 200km of wastewater pipes in our Ashburton, Methven and Rakaia schemes and a lot of good information about their condition. The pipes we are replacing are at least 50 years old.”

Renewals are planned on Line Road at Methven; Philip Street, Saunders Road and Tancred Street in Ashburton; and Catherine Street at Tinwald.

Mr McCann said the Line Road job was the biggest of the renewal projects, with a new main being installed between Methven’s wastewater treatment plant on Line Road and the Methven township.

Installation of the 375mm diameter pipe is expected to take two months.

“Sometimes we also opt to reline sewer pipes rather than renew them, to extend the life of the pipes. We have awarded a separate $1.1m relining contract for West Street in Ashburton and South Belt at Methven, and that work should be completed in September.”

Council wastewater systems collect used water from homes and businesses, including what is flushed down toilets, and greywater from sinks, shower and washing machines. There are treatment plants at Ashburton, Methven and Rakaia.