After providing water to the Kihikihi community for nearly half a century, the Church Street bore is being retired and replaced with a brand new one.
Bores are inspected every five years in Waipā. The scheduled inspection for the Church Street bore, in early June, showed that the bore hole is reaching the end of its life and can no longer be safely maintained. Water services manager Karl Pavlovich says the old bore has done a great job supplying clean water to Kihikihi since the 1970s.
“It’s actually quite amazing that it’s lasted this long,” Pavlovich says. “We removed the pump with a crane, flushed out debris, and sent a camera down to inspect the bore walls. That’s when we saw the damage that made it clear it was time for a replacement.”
Water from the two bores in Kihikihi are treated at the Rolleston Street water treatment plant.
“The water is treated to a high standard and the work to replace this bore won’t affect the water supply,” Pavlovich said.
To ensure the community continues to have a clean, reliable water supply, contractors are drilling test holes nearby to find the best spot for the new bore. The goal is to tap into the same underground water aquifer that has served Kihikihi so well for decades.
While the work is underway, Church Street is closed between Whitmore and Lyon Streets, weekdays from 7.30am to 4.30pm. There will be no vehicle access to the church or space centre during the work hours. The footpath is also closed, and pedestrians will be diverted around the intersection. The team expects to finish the work by Friday, July 18.
“We know it’s a bit of a disruption, but it’s all part of ensuring Kihikihi has a safe and secure water supply for many more years to come.”
“We appreciate everyone’s patience while this essential work is being done,” Pavlovich says.
