The Waikato50 project was a unique collaborative effort from client Watercare Services Ltd, Fletcher and BPC during an unprecedented drought. Alongside a wider integrated team of Beca, subcontract partners, and suppliers, the mission was to rapidly add an additional 50 million litres of treated water per day from the Waikato River to Auckland’s water network.

Designed, consented, procured, constructed, and commissioned in just over 12 months, the pressure to deliver a fully operational plant and network improvements within an almost impossible timeframe called for a radical and unique approach to delivery. With a start date of 25 June 2020, Practical Completion was achieved on 29 June 2021; far quicker than the anticipated 3-4 years from more traditional contracting models.

The project is a showcase for optimised infrastructure delivery at scale and pace, incorporating digital tools to manage complex risk while safely maintaining the existing Water Treatment Plant on site supplying 30% of Auckland’s potable water. The Waikato50 project saved Auckland from a more restrictive drought response, while building significant resilience into the water network.