KAWAKAWA BAY

Vacuum Sewer System Transformation

Project Overview

Client: Manukau Water Ltd (now part of Watercare Services Ltd)

Location: Kawakawa Bay, New Zealand

Challenge: Replace an aging septic system with a cost-effective, environmentally safe, and reliable sewerage network for a seaside township.

Key Outcomes:

  • Beach declared safe for swimming within 12 months.
  • Significant reduction in untreated sewage discharge.
  • Award-winning environmental and sustainable design.

Introduction

Manukau Water Ltd (now part of Watercare Services Ltd) addressed the urgent need for a reliable and environmentally safe sewerage network in Kawakawa Bay, New Zealand, replacing an aging septic system in this coastal township. The project aimed to mitigate the environmental risks caused by untreated sewage discharges, which impacted the beach and public health.

The solution involved an innovative vacuum sewerage system, minimizing excavation and operational complexity, while ensuring resilience during seasonal population surges. The system’s rapid implementation led to significant improvements in marine water quality, with the beach declared safe for swimming within 12 months, earning recognition with the Arthur Mead Environment and Sustainability Award.

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Problem / Challenge

Kawakawa Bay is a picturesque coastal town with:

  • A resident population of ~700 (increasing to 2,000 during holidays).
  • High water tables, poor drainage, and flat topography.

The existing septic systems caused severe environmental concerns:

  • Untreated sewage discharged onto the beach.
  • Public health warnings on seafood consumption and recreational water use.

Manukau Water needed a solution to:

  • Overcome challenging terrains.
  • Minimize power requirements and operational complexity.
  • Ensure resilience during seasonal population surges.

Solution

Innovative Vacuum Sewerage System:

  1. Minimal excavation required, reducing disruption.
  2. Negative pressure operation ensures zero leakage or overflow.
  3. Public ownership eliminates dependence on private systems.
  4. Telemetry-enabled monitoring enhances operational control.

Implementation

Key Features:

  • Shallow trenches for reduced installation costs.
  • Low-power vacuum pump station with solar backup.
  • Real-time system monitoring for efficient maintenance.

Community Impact:

  • Fast and efficient construction minimized resident inconvenience.
  • Immediate improvement in marine water quality.

Results

  1. Environmental Impact: Marine water quality drastically improved.
    • Beach reopened for swimming.
    • Warning signs removed within a year.
  1. Cost Efficiency: Lower capital expenditure compared to alternative systems.
  2. Sustainability Recognition:
    • Awarded the Arthur Mead Environment and Sustainability Award.
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Client Testimonial

Vacuum has proved over a long period that it’s a good engineering option, and that’s why it is now being expanded to new residential developments in the Auckland region.

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