Water May/June 2021 by Water_New_Zealand

water MAY 2015 | ISSUE 189

MAY / JUNE 2021 ISSUE 219

Together with nature Stormwater management through wetland design Reawakening urban streams The importance of Māori place names

CONTENTS WATER NEW ZEALAND

President: Helen Atkins Board Members: Troy Brockbank; Garth Dibley; Lorraine Kendrick; Priyan Perera, Iain Rabbitts, Dr Deborah Lind, Tim Gibson

water Issue 219 MAY / JUNE 2021

Chief Executive: Gillian Blythe SIG Co-ordinator: Katrina Guy Administration Officer: Pip Donnelly Technical Manager: Noel Roberts Principal Data Scientist: Lesley Smith Training Development Manager: Mumtaz Parker Communications Manager: Debra Harrington Marketing Co-ordinator: Renee Butler Administrator: Paris Elwood SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS Backflow: Jim McGibbon, M: +64 22 010 3195

INSIDE

14 Valuing the world’s water

4 President’s comment – A reminder of

18 Opportunities and risks at the heart

why change is necessary

of the water-carbon nexus

6 Water Services Bill gives Taumata Arowai

26 Training update

tools for improved water quality 12 Stormwater networks are the poor cousin

Climate Change: Jon Reed, P: +64 9 300 9267 Smart Water Infrastructure: Michael Howden, P +64 4 473 7551 Modelling: Fiona Macdonald, M: +64 21 390 781 Small Wastewater & Natural Systems: Sandy Ormiston Stormwater: Kate Purton, P: 021 0375 872 Water Service Managers’ Group: Martyn Cole, P: +64 27 555 4751 Young Water Professionals: AKL: Joan Davidson, P: +64 21 835 739 WLG: George Beveridge, P: +64 21 718 173 CHC: Liam Allan, P: +64 27 385 7003 WeCan: Christine McCormack, P: +64 22 512 3553 WATER JOURNAL Managing Editor: Alan Titchall M +64 27 405 0338 alan@contrafed.co.nz Contrafed Publishing Contributors: Mary Searle Bell

FEATURES 20 A small smart regulator with a big job

52 Sewage solution

28 Stormwater management through

56 Major wastewater project finished in Waikato

wetland design

58 Raingardens to clean lake of

32 Reawakening natural environments

pollutants

for communities

60 Whangarei’s water quality

40 The importance of Maori place names

programmes

to stormwater design

68 Conserving water along China’s

44 Creating and maintaining a

longest river

pandemic plan 48 Explaining the CIMS emergency framework

Advertising Sales: Debbie Laing M: +64 27 455 0223 Design: Contrafed Publishing 1 Grange Road, Mount Eden, Auckland 1024

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PO Box 112 357, Penrose, Auckland, 1642

22 Profile – Jon Lamonte

71 Pacific – Oxfam

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24 Profile – Faiz Salim

72 Comment – Legal

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62 Technical – The influence of urban

74 Advertisers’ index

Distribution: Pip Donnelly P: +64 4 472 8925 DISCLAIMER: Water New Zealand reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial or advertising material submitted for publication. The opinions expressed in contributions to Water are not necessarily those of Water New Zealand. The information contained in this publication is given in good faith and has been derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, neither Water New Zealand, nor any person(s) involved in the preparation of this publication accept any form of liability whatsoever for its content including advertisements, editorials, opinions, advice or information. This extends to any consequences from its use. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or ink–jet printing without prior written permission of the publishers. ISSN 1179-2949 (Print) ISSN 2382-1906 (Online) www.waternz.org.nz

surface type and characteristics on runoff water quality

‘Ka ora te wai, ka ora te whenua, ka ora nga tangata’ ‘If the water is healthy, the land is healthy, the people are healthy’

The official journal of Water New Zealand – New Zealand’s only water environment periodical. Established in 1958, Water New Zealand is a non-profit organisation. MAY / JUNE 2021 WATER NEW ZEALAND

WATER NEW ZEALAND FROM THE PRESIDENT

A reminder of why change is necessary Helen Atkins President, Water New Zealand

n my last column I talked about the way that 2021 is shaping up to be the year of water reform. As we get down to the details of the various options and scenarios ahead of us, it’s worth reminding ourselves of just why we’re going through this major reform process. Recently, our chief executive, Gillian Blythe, and technical manager, Noel Roberts, presented to the Health Select Committee in support of our submission on the Water Services Bill which is working its way through Parliament. The Bill sets out the regulatory framework for water services (in particular drinking water) and provides the toolbox for the new regulator, Taumata Arowai. Gillian and Noel reminded the politicians that nearly five years after the Havelock North water contamination crisis, the latest data from the Ministry of Health shows that one in five New Zealanders are supplied with drinking water that is not guaranteed to be safe from bacteria. There is no doubt that this is not a good statistic and New Zealand needs to do significantly better than this. The new legislation is clearly a step in the right direction but we are a long way from ‘’being there yet”. Another very sobering and somewhat eye-watering number that came to light in recent weeks was $110-billion. This is the amount of investment the Government has been told our little country will need to find over the next 30 to 40 years to provide for a robust, fit for purpose and modern world three waters infrastructure. What this means is New Zealand (we) has to effectively more than double our current annual investment to maintain and improve our water services systems. This is despite the very large increase in spend in the past year. Thanks to the sterling work of Lesley Smith (and to all of our members who participated), Water New Zealand’s latest National Performance Review has just been published. It shows that utilities invested $1.6-billion on capital improvements last year. This is an increase of 44 percent for water supply and a 30 percent increase in wastewater expenditure from the previous year. As members of the water services sector we can only hope

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all this means is that the Government and New Zealanders as a whole are starting to think more about the sheer complexity of the sector, the level of investment required, and importantly, the need to value water, not just as a resource but as the life-giving taonga that it is. Since my last column, my fellow board member, Troy Brockbank, and I have run two webinars on Te Mana o te Wai. This is a concept that recognises the fundamental importance of protecting the health of the water, and that all decisions around water and its use must give effect to Te Mana o te Wai. These webinars are very much introductory sessions to ‘start a conversation’. We have been heartened by the positive feedback we received from both members and the wider sector following the webinars. We will continue to build on them. We will be hearing a lot more about Te Mana o te Wai as we move into the new legislative regime and as an organisation, it is our intention to continue to support members and the sector to understand how to give effect to this concept at the grass roots level. In addition, Water New Zealand has developed a Te Ao Māori Strategy and will soon be adding a section to our webpage on ‘matters Māori’ including guidance on the correct pronunciation of Māori terms. Last year at this time, the Covid lockdown meant our Stormwater Conference had to go online – a challenging exercise, to say the least. This year, as we go into print, it’s looking very optimistic that we can all be together in the one place. This year it’s particularly special as Stormwater 2021 will be celebrating 20 years. Those of us lucky enough to be heading to Tauranga will get a first-hand opportunity to find out more from one of our keynote speakers, including the Honourable Nanaia Mahuta who will provide an update on the government’s reform programme. Finally, even if you can’t get to our main conferences, there are plenty of other opportunities to get involved, share knowledge and meet up with colleagues and peers, so just a reminder to keep an eye on our website and newsletters for latest updates. Helen Atkins President

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WATER NEW ZEALAND UPFRONT

Three Waters reform developments New MD for Xylem meeting in New Plymouth

Xylem has appointed Brian Krishna as managing director for the Oceania region, effective March 1, 2021. In this role Brian will be responsible for managing the various Xylem operations and functions across the Oceania region, with particular emphasis on ensuring that Xylem continues to provide its customers and stakeholders with quality products and services and, in doing so, solving their water challenges. Brian has over 25 years’ experience in the water sector, including 17 years with Xylem where he has held various senior management roles. He replaces Jim Athanas, who is moving to a newly created position for Xylem Emerging Markets.

Richard Ward from the Department of Internal Affairs bringing members of Water New Zealand’s Water Service Managers’ Group up to date with Three Waters reform developments at a meeting in New Plymouth. This was the first of two events in April that government representatives spoke at. The second, in late April, was held in Wellington at the Water Utilities’ Association meeting.

Brian Krishna

Water Services Bill gives Taumata Arowai tools for improved water quality Water New Zealand highlighted recent statistics showing that one in five New Zealanders are supplied with drinking water that is not guaranteed to be safe from bacteria, when it appeared before the Health Select Committee looking into the Water Services Bill. Water New Zealand chief executive Gillian Blythe told the committee, that situation, revealed in Ministry of Health data, poses a serious public health risk. “The establishment of Taumata Arowai will result in a long overdue and much needed improvement in the safety and quality of drinking water. Gillian, along with Water New Zealand’s technical manager, Noel Roberts, presented to the select committee in March in support of the organisation’s submission on the new legislation.

6 www.waternz.org.nz

“We consulted widely with our membership and set up a working group to feed into the submission. “It was clear that our members strongly supported the Water Services Bill, which sets out the regulatory toolbox for the new drinking water regulator, Taumata Arowai. “The regulator will provide more oversight of source water and hold suppliers to account if they breach standards.” However, Gillian told the committee there was also a need for stronger monitoring and regulations around the quality of water that goes back into the environment. “We would hope to see more scrutiny over wastewater and stormwater discharges, including from on-site wastewater management systems because that has a big impact on the environment and public health.

“The three waters – drinking, storm and wastewater – are inter-related, and this is a gap in the current legislation.” Another concern is the liability placed on water sector employees who could be liable for fines for breaches under the proposed new legislation. “While Water New Zealand accepts the need for duty-holding employees to exercise due diligence, many decisions that affect water quality are made by elected councillors. “Decisions around financing and affordability have a major impact on the quality of water and infrastructure and this has a big influence on the ability of water sector managers to carry out their role in providing healthy water.” Go to the Water New Zealand website to see the full submission, bit.ly/3tU8BXP

WATER NEW ZEALAND UPFRONT

Symposium goes virtual at the last-minute By Fiona Macdonald, Modelling Group chair The Modelling Special Interest Group held their annual symposium on March 10-11. Originally, it was to be held in Christchurch but was moved to a virtual format with less than two weeks’ notice due to Covid alert level changes. The organisers, presenters and attendees adapted well to this change. Day one keynote speaker Belinda Storey from Climate Acuity gave an excellent presentation on insurance retreat, due to increased flood risk, as well as an update on Fiona Macdonald

planned research related to the impact of climate change on hydrology and service levels. Guest speaker Dr Emily Lane from NIWA provided an update on the MBIE Endeavour research programme to produce a nationally-consistent flood inundation hazard map. The papers presented at the conference covered a wide range of topics across three waters modelling, ranging from water network resilience to modelling corrosion potential in wastewater networks, through to various papers on urban stormwater and river modelling. A workshop was held on the Water New Zealand-led initiative to develop national stormwater

modelling guidelines. Virtual break-out rooms were used to seek feedback from attendees on the proposed scope, as well as to understand what guidance is currently used, what functions well, and the appropriate format for the proposed guidelines. For many symposium attendees, one of the main drawcards is the chance to network with other modelling practitioners. The virtual format of the symposium did not stop networking opportunities – evening drinks were organised in main centres, with the Wellington attendees particularly committed and holding drinks on both nights! The group would like to thanks its sponsors, HAL, Jeff Booth Consulting, and Tuflow, for supporting this event.

Backflow conference looks to new future Planning for the new future of water will be a key focus for this year’s Backflow Conference. The conference is being held in Lower Hutt, on August 5-6. Backflow committee chair Jim McGibbon says

the conference will feature presentations and workshops from Taumata Arowai, MBIE, backflow professionals and trainers. “These will give the tools and insight we need to plan for the future and have backflow prevention

as a key part of water protection going forward. “It’s going to be an exciting time in the water industry and, just like during the pandemic, supporting each other will be the key to success. “We’d love to see you there.”

Acknowledging the effort that goes into the conference By Ian Garside Technical Committee chair Presentations, keynotes and invited speakers and workshops are big drawcards for the annual Water New Zealand Conference and Expo. It’s a huge job bringing together three days of diverse, lively, informative presentations – a job done by the hardworking volunteers of the technical committee, with the backing of event organisers, Avenues, and Water New Zealand staff. The committee itself reflects the diverse nature of the water industry, and the make-up of the committee is equally varied, in terms of technical background, gender and age. While the conference itself only lasts a few days, organising it is a year-round production, beginning with the calls for abstracts issued in February, through to the de-brief in December.

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Tasks include selecting and marking papers, as well as assembling the programme and ensuring that the whole thing ‘works’. This year, I want to publicly acknowledge all those volunteers who have made our conferences so successful over the past decade. More than 60 people have given their time, commitment and energy to ensuring a great conference. Among the key ones are: Alex Osti, Ashish Deshpande, Bipan Bansel, Chris Wium, Clare Dickinson, David Birch, David McKinley, Dukessa Blackburn-Huettner, Fiona Macdonald, Frank Tian, Gerard Cody, Graham McBride, Gretal Roberts, Iain Rabbitts, Jonathan Lewis, Kees Swanink, Kelvin Hill, Laurence Edwards, Louis Du Preez, Maria Utting, Neal Borrie, Rebecca Fox, Rob Blakemore, Rob Potts, Rod Murray, Roly Hayes, Sarah Lothman, Stephen Wright, Steve Hutchison, Victor Mthamo, Wendy Williamson, Chris Taylor, Todd Frank, Margaret Leonard, and Mijo Katavic. Some of these volunteers have served on the committee as long as 13 years.

During 2017, 2019 and also 2021, the technical committee was ‘refreshed’ and a component of this year’s refresh was to specifically call for applications from young professionals. I’m pleased to say that there were a large number of applications from these members. The new technical committee membership is as follows; Ian Garside*, Noel Roberts, Steve Apeldoorn*, Louise Weaver*, Daniel Gapes*, Becky Macdonald*, Martyn Simpson*, Hugh Ratsey*, Jonathan Church*, Hannah Ludlow, Lisa Mace, Oliver Modricker, Jessica Hamilton, Matt Savage*, Dean Watts, Carlos Campos, Ric Barber, Steve Jones, Richard Neate, Kirsten Norquay, Anna Bridgman, Rachael Shaw*, Kobus van Zyl and Arash Farjood*. I would like to thank all the volunteers on behalf of the industry, who have contributed to the technical committee over many years, and to welcome the new members to the fold. *Denotes previously served.

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WATER NEW ZEALAND UPFRONT

Stormwater networks are the poor cousin Water New Zealand’s National Performance Review, an annual performance assessment of water supply, wastewater and stormwater networks, has recently been published and reveals lagging stormwater expenditure as principal data scientist, Lesley Smith explains. The latest National Performance Review (NPR) highlights what many working with piped networks already know; when its comes to funding, stormwater networks are the poor cousins of the water supply and wastewater networks. In 2020 expenditure on stormwater systems was $418 million, trailing by a large margin the $988 million spent on water supply and $1.28 billion spent on wastewater. This does not alter the vital importance of the stormwater network. NPR participants valued their stormwater networks at nearly $12 billion (not so much less than the water network at $13.2 billion). It’s not just the monetary value that is large. The network is critically important for flood protection, and plays a massive role in shaping the urban environment. Do we want healthy urban waterways? Do we want our built environments to enable and support natural processes? Are our urban streams forever doomed to lie neglected and lifeless in pipes beneath our cities? These are amongst the many questions that the approach to stormwater management needs to respond to. Discussions about where stormwater sits in the emerging governance arrangements for the water sector are gaining pace. The Department of Internal Affairs Three Waters Reform group has established a Stormwater Technical Working Group. The group is set up to advise on future arrangements for the planning and management of stormwater service provision, with a fast moving work programme scheduled to be ready to share with the wider sector by August. It is timely to reflect on what some of the numbers in the National Performance Review can tell us to inform these discussions. When it comes to flood protection design, most regions adopt fairly standardised criteria. Most primarily stormwater networks (generally the stormwater pipes that run

12 www.waternz.org.nz

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underground) are designed to convey flooding from a rainfall event with an annual exceedance probability of between one and two percent. The secondary stormwater network (overland flowpaths such as roads) are designed between 10 and 20 percent. Go to Water New Zealand’s interactive data portal to see how each district compares. That is where the standardisation ends. Annual charges for stormwater vary markedly across districts, charges ranging from $23 to $457 for a property of average value. There is also a wide range of charging for stormwater systems. Stormwater rates are often incorporated in the Uniform Annual General Charge or a separate targeted rate, but can also be incorporated with urban amenity, roading or wastewater rates. This makes it difficult for many districts (nearly a third of those participating in the NPR) to identify exactly what their stormwater charges are. In total, participants in the NPR collected $339 million in rates revenue to fund stormwater services provision. This money needs to fund not only operational costs of running the network ($109 million in total), but also the interest accrued against related loans ($37 million) and capital expenditure to renew the network.

Theoretically, at least, this should approximate the annual value assets are depreciated by ($157 million a year). These costs of $303 million, are slightly shy of the revenue collected. While as a whole, the revenue is a fairly good match to costs. At an individual district level the picture is not so clean cut. Some districts collect enough revenue to recover only 50 percent of the cumulative costs of operations. In other areas, revenue collected exceeds these costs more than threefold. For districts at either end of the cost coverage scale, any changes to the organisation of service provision will have some fairly odd impacts on the balance sheet. To help provide the information to tackle some of these big questions, the next NPR is going back to basics. We will be taking a first principal look at the issues that matter to the sector and, in turn, check that these are being tracked using the correct performance measures. If you have input you would like to provide to this process or are interested in using data from the review, please email lesley.smith@waternz.org.nz. The latest published report and interactive data portal, providing performance comparisons for the 2020 fiscal year is available at:

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WATER NEW ZEALAND UPFRONT

Valuing the

world’s water

World Water Day was March 22 this year and focused on valuing water. Water New Zealand chief executive Gillian Blythe says the global theme is particularly pertinent here as we come to grips with Te Mana o te Wai and the need to uphold the mauri (life force) of the water.

Around a hundred people attended two webinars on Te Mana o te Wai hosted by Water New Zealand in March. The webinars, presented by board member Troy Brockbank and president Helen Atkins, focused on the concept of Te Mana o te Wai and how the water services

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sector will need to give effect to it under new legislation. “We want to provide support to our members, and the wider sector, as we all embark on this journey,” says chief executive Gillian Blythe. She says there was a lot of very positive feedback following the two webinars and

it is clear that there is a need for further initiatives to help guide us in our work and our understanding of Te Mana o te Wai. The accompanying guide, Te Mana o Te Wai in the Water Services Sector, is available for purchase for $25. Email Katrina Guy for more information, katrina.guy@waternz.org.nz.

Our favourite water shots To help celebrate World Water Day, Water New Zealand staff shared some favourite water memories on our social media platforms. Here are some of the photos we think help to illustrate the value of water, not just for our physical well-being, but also mental well-being, cultural practices, and the environment.

VALVE POSITION

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1 Technical manager Noel Roberts’ favourite intake and best place to destress and marvel at nature is the Little Huia intake in the Orongorongo catchment.

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force) of our water resource. Underpinning these reforms is a major change in our relationship with water: Te Mana o te Wai. It signals a fundamental shift in the way in which we protect and manage our water resources. Te Mana o te Wai means that all decisions about the management of drinking, wastewater and stormwater will need to be made with the health and well-being of the water at the forefront. It is a concept that sits in the National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management (NPS-FM) but was given new emphasis with amendments to the statement last year. The rewritten NPS-FM explains that regional councils and their communities, including tangata whenua, should work together to understand what values are held for fresh water in their area or rohe. In essence it means that water needs to be thought of as having value in and of itself and that the health and mana of the water takes precedence, rather than it being a resource to be exploited. Te Mana o te Wai has also been included in the Water Services Bill as a concept that must be given effect to when decisions around water services are being made. There it recognises the fundamental importance of protecting the health of the water, not only at source but also the use of the water in the environment including discharges from wastewater and stormwater systems. For instance, this means that there will be increased requirements for water to be returned to rivers and the sea in a healthy condition. While there are many engineering and technical solutions, these will require a lot of careful consideration. Without a comprehensive understanding of water’s true, multidimensional value, we will be unable to safeguard this critical taonga for the benefit of everyone.

Globally, nearly half the world’s population doesn’t have access to safe drinking water and sanitation. This means that things like basic hand-washing, especially important in this Covid-19 era, is an impossible task for up to three billion people. Compare this to New Zealand, where we’re literally awash with water. Water New Zealand’s latest National Performance Review (NPR) has found that each of us uses on average 229 litres of water per day. That’s a lot even by developed world standards. Denmark, a water efficient country, uses less than 110 litres per person and in an area in Amsterdam, the average consumption is 90 litres of water per person per day. As we know, our three waters assets are facing a huge infrastructure deficit as we try to catch up with decades of underspending on our pipe network. The NPR’s most recent data shows that our sector has responded to rising demands with a big jump in infrastructure spending in the past year; $1.6 billion was spent on capital improvements last year – an increase of 44 percent for water supply and a 30 percent increase in wastewater expenditure from the previous year. But that’s still well short of what the latest Government report has estimated it will cost to fix and enhance water infrastructure. The report, commissioned by the Department of Internal Affairs, has found that we might need to find as much as $110 billion over the next 30-40 years to maintain and enhance infrastructure and meet growth and climate change requirements. There’s a lot of work to do! Perhaps as a nation, we’re reaping the benefit of our seemingly abundant supply of water, which we have not truly valued. That’s why the government’s new approach to water is an important milestone in our journey to understand and to finally, as a country, start to recognise, respect and uphold the mauri (life

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2 The breakwater infrastructure St Clare’s beach in Dunedin. Chief executive Gillian Blythe says, “it reminds me that water represents one of the most important challenges of society. Floods and rising sea level have increased their intensity due to climate change.” 3 Sunrise at the gorgeous Lake Manapouri near the end of the Kepler track, shared by communications manager Debra Harrington. The waters still look clean and clear, but sadly it has been invaded by didymo. “It serves as a reminder of the need to wash boots and gear when leaving didymo country. We need to value and care for our water environment.” 4 Marketing coordinator Renee Butler captured this incredible photo of an orca hunting for stingrays in Island Bay, Wellington. “It’s a reminder that everybody needs access to clean water, including sea life.”

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WATER NEW ZEALAND UPFRONT

Opportunities and risks at the heart of the water-carbon nexus By Lesley Smith, Water New Zealand principal data scientist Water New Zealand has warned of the risk of overlooking the important role of water in the country’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions. In the words of the Australian Prime Minister’s science advisors, “Energy, water and carbon form the cradle of life itself, and sustain us at every level from the cells of our bodies to ecosystems and economies. Together, energy, water and carbon provide the foundation for the evolutionary emergence of new forms from old ones, not only in living organisms but also in human societies and cultures.” In a submission to He Pou a Rangi, the New Zealand Climate Commission, Water New Zealand pointed out the many opportunities for the water sector to assist in national efforts to decarbonise. These include the bioenergy potential of our wastewater (see the March/April 2021 edition of Water for a comprehensive overview), the energy efficiency opportunities that exist within our assets, and the carbon savings that could be realised through seizing the many opportunities that exist to reduce water use. The submission on the commission’s first draft package of advice to the government on how to reach net-zero carbon by 2050, feeds into the final report to be presented to the government at the end of May. The submission points out the perils of neglecting the relationships between water and carbon. As we develop our water supplies to respond to the dual pressures of population growth and climate change, there is a significant risk of locking in high carbon pathways. Desalinated water supplies, as well as recycled wastewater, have significantly higher energy intensity than our traditional supply sources.

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Conversely, the availability of water is a neccesary prerequistisite for a number of energy generation options. Furthermore, the development of water infrastructure itself is carbon intensive. A recent assessment by Watercare found that the embodied carbon in their capital works programme, exceeded their operational emissions. Unlocking water sensitive design opportunities have the potential to mitigate against high carbon pathways, as well as facilitating greener, more climate friendly cities in the future. These are important issues that require attention to realise the vision of a thriving, climate-resilient and low-emissions future. In 2018, gross greenhouse gas emissions in New Zealand were about 45.5 Mt CO2-e of long-lived gases, and 1.34 Mt CH4 (biogenic methane). He Pou a Rangi’s analysis shows if policy stayed as it is now, we would fall short of achieving the 2050 net zero long-lived gas target by 6.3 Mt CO2-e. Biogenic methane would reduce 12 percent below 2017 levels and fall short of the current target of 24-47 percent. Their advice provides detailed analysis and emissions budgets that outline various changes that could enable us to reach the targets. The draft consultation piece is still available online. To read it, go to bit.ly/3tLQ3sI. Water New Zealand’s submission is available at www.waternnz.org.nz. Those interested in the role the water sector has to play in this transition can join the Water New Zealand Climate Special Interest Group for its inagraual carbon symposium. This hybrid in-person, online event will be happening in regional centres throughout the country on June 23. Visit the Water New Zealand website for more details and to register.

WATER NEW ZEALAND WATER REFORM

A small smart regulator with a

big job

Water services regulator Taumata Arowai is about ensuring safe drinking water and improved Three Waters performance for all. By Bill Bayfield, Taumata Arowai establishment CEO. Taumata Arowai is the first pillar of the Government’s ambitious and transformational reform programme, providing leadership to the Three Waters, particularly in the drinking water sector. Taumata Arowai became an independent Crown entity in March this year, and will become the new dedicated water services regulator when the Water Services Bill is passed, expected in the second half of this year. At that time Taumata Arowai will become the new drinking water regulator for the nation (a role currently held by the Ministry of Health), while providing oversight and improving environmental outcomes from our wastewater and stormwater networks. In short, Taumata Arowai will be a small smart regulator with a big job. We will enable and support water suppliers through self-service tools and guidance, work across government and local entities to help achieve safe drinking water and begin to provide the same oversight for waste and storm water. But before we do this, the Water Services Bill that will set out

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our functions and duties has to become law. Let me tell you about where things are at with this process. Parliament’s Health Select Committee has recently finished hearing from some 220 of the almost 1000 submitters on the Water Services Bill, including Water New Zealand and many of its members. I want to acknowledge your considerable contribution, putting forward your practical and thoughtful advice to help make the Water Services Bill – and by inference Taumata Arowai – the best they can be. It has been an informative exercise to read these submissions, which can be found on Parliament’s website. Most support the intent of the Bill – to provide everyone in the country with safe drinking water and better manage waste and stormwater. In its submission, Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) said it had been calling for clear drinking-water standards, and strong enforcement of those standards since 2015, when it published its Three Waters position paper. This was a year before the Havelock

Taumata Arowai CEO Bill Bayfield talking to water suppliers in Hokianga.

North drinking water contamination. “That position paper highlighted the urgent need for improved regulatory frameworks and enforcement of the standards …” LGNZ also “strongly supports the requirement to give effect to Te Mana o te Wai and a commitment by the Taumata Arowai Māori Advisory Board to develop and maintain a framework that provides advice and guidance on interpretation”. Most submissions also contained varying degrees of concern and anxiety, especially from te ao Māori, local government and rural communities. I certainly heard about these issues first-hand on my recent visit to the Tai Tokerau, and at the Three Waters forums in Christchurch and Rotorua, all very different experiences. There’s limited understanding about the Water Services Bill, and a good deal of confusion about what it will mean for various stakeholders. Which is not surprising when you consider the background to the drafting of the Bill. It happened in a pre-Covid era. In fact, it was before the beginning of central and local government’s joint work on Three Waters service delivery reform, which has the potential to dramatically change the landscape. The original modelling for the Bill made assumptions of 5000 small unregistered water suppliers. A recent Beca analysis found this figure was more like 75,000 across the country. What we now know is that about 800,000 New Zealanders – almost one in five – get their drinking water from unregulated supplies. So there is no denying the challenges ahead. The Health Select Committee now has two extra months to factor in feedback from the submissions, with report back due in mid-August. This is key to making the Bill robust, practical and workable for all water suppliers – be they Watercare, Grey District Council, the local marae or hill country station. I don’t have to persuade you about the urgent need for these drinking water reforms. You see it daily in media headlines. Lead contamination in Otago, boil water notices in Carterton. In fact, 32 communities currently have permanent boil water notices. Meanwhile, everywhere councils are grappling with aging water infrastructure and the prospect of significant rate hikes to fix them.

The genesis for Taumata Arowai was the shocking 2016 outbreak of gastroenteritis in Havelock North from campylobacter in the town’s drinking water. More than 5000 fell ill from this systemic and quality failure, with four deaths attributed. The subsequent inquiry recommended a national drinking water regulator. We cannot lose sight of this. Taumata Arowai, as a regulator, will be critical to lifting the performance of our drinking water, waste and storm water systems and capability. We will lead the drinking water sector, using a regulatory approach taken from internationally recognised “best practice” models, merging them with our unique Kiwi approach which will be set out in the Water Services Act. Our model will be based on the principles of Te Mana o te Wai, the concept recognising that protecting the health of water also protects the health and well-being of the community and wider environment. Where drinking water safety is at risk, we will tailor our approach, using a mix of education, compliance and enforcement tools. We will work with suppliers to provide guidance, and review ourselves to ensure we are consistent and taking a proportionate approach. Our legislation, particularly the Water Services Act – when passed – will allow us to use new compliance and enforcement tools to make sure drinking water is safe for consumers and the performance of our waste and storm water management systems is improved. We will also engage with people in the water services sector, to influence better water services for everyone. Those we will engage with will include whānau, hapū and iwi Māori, councils, drinking water suppliers and community groups. Our legislation will provide Taumata Arowai with the authority (compliance tools) to require suppliers to fix things for safe drinking water, and the power (enforcement tools) to protect others from behaviour that puts health at risk. Until we see the final shape of the Bill, I can’t expand too much further. But I, and our new leadership team, will continue to communicate with you – including through webinars – to explain how we are going to work, and to answer your questions. In the meantime, I urge you to go to our website www. taumataarowai.govt.nz to find out more about our organisation and top-line information for water suppliers.

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WATER NEW ZEALAND PROFILE

High flyer to lead Watercare Watercare has recently appointed Jon Lamonte as its new CEO. He’s so new, in fact, that when Mary Searle Bell spoke to him, he was still isolating in quarantine, having just arrived from Australia. Jon officially began work on April 6, doing what he could by phone and Zoom from his hotel room. Once free, he’ll be busy meeting his team, stakeholders and partners in the water sector. Although new to the industry, he has built an impressive career in management, with a strong operational focus. He has spent the last few years at Sydney Metro where he was responsible for Australia’s first fully-automated metro rail network, leading the procurement, construction and delivery of the project. The first line opened in 2019 with a further line due to open in 2024, and two more beyond that. It’s the connection to the public that made his job so enjoyable at Sydney Metro, and part of the attraction to his new role at Watercare. “I like to do something that gives back to society. “When that first driverless metro opened in Sydney, 140,000 people came out to celebrate. I just sat in the train and listened to their excitement. That was a key moment in my career.” Jon’s career began when he joined the Royal Air Force. “As a kid at school, all I wanted to do was fly aeroplanes. I was a bookworm and would always be reading about planes.” As it turned out, about a year after learning to fly, he switched seats to become a navigator. In his 32 years with the military, he flew operationally, seeing action in the Falklands, Yugoslavia and Iraq, before moving on to a logistics and procurement role with the Ministry of Defence (MOD). Starting as a planner, he ended up as the

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director general finance for defence equipment and support, which had him buying the likes of aircraft carriers, tanks and submarines as part of the organisation’s £17 billion a year procurement and logistics organisation. “At the time, our purchasing was under scrutiny. It was a challenging time.” For a number of years, Jon ran the largest airbase in the UK, Brize Norton, which has over 4500 people and three fleets of transport and air-to-air refuelling aircraft. “I was there for the repatriation of the first war dead from Iraq. There were 55 families there and I met them all. Dealing with this magnitude of bereavement affected me a lot, and really highlighted to me the importance of safety.” His final role with the MOD was as chief of staff, strategy, policy and plans, which included co-leading the strategic defence and security review into the UK’s maritime programme. In 2011, he made the move away from the military and into civil service, taking the role of CEO of Tube Lines, part of Transport for London. Tube Lines is responsible for the maintenance, renewal and upgrade of the underground infrastructure on the Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines. Jon’s tenure covered the critical period of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Sticking with transport, his next move was to Greater Manchester. Here, he covered rail, bus, tram, highways, cycling and other forms of active transport. “Then I got a call saying, ‘How do you fancy going for this job in Australia?’. I thought, if not now, when?

“The Sydney Metro role was a great opportunity, and Australia has great weather. I had no real ties in the UK, besides my mother in London, and we keep in close touch by phone, so I went for it. “Interestingly, although the language is the same, the culture is very different. Sydney was a great place to be – I found lots of people with a similar outlook to mine. We just wanted to get things done. “I took time when I arrived to get to know the culture – particularly the aboriginal culture – something I’d not been exposed to before. I knew that taking a respectful and understanding approach to a new environment is the best. “It was a great opportunity to learn.” Jon says he was perfectly happy running Sydney Metro when a head hunter called him out of the blue about the CEO vacancy at Watercare. “I just had to look into it. “It had everything I love in a job. A direct relationship with the customer; a number of exciting capital projects; an important relationship with the Auckland Council to maintain; and sector reform, which will provide stimulating challenges. “And it’s New Zealand – who wouldn’t want to come here?” Jon says he has experience of having worked in councilcontrolled organisations, with Greater Manchester being a similar set-up. “Success relies on every element of the council working together for the good of the people. A strong customer focus is important.

“There’s something about working with the customer to find out what they really want and need that I particularly enjoy.” Jon believes he has the necessary skills and experience to lead Watercare going forward. “I have had success in project delivery – the Sydney Metro project was the largest of its kind in Australia and we got it across the line safely, on time and on budget – and plenty of overall experience in leading a large organisation. Hopefully I can bring a bit of fun too. “I’ve spent many years working with shareholders and have the skills to influence and negotiate. “My leadership style is collaborative. There’s a lot of experience in Watercare. I plan to bring the experts together, and then give them the freedom to get on with it. “I know how important it is to listen – I don’t jump too quickly to conclusions or take the first solution offered. Instead, I like to listen and learn. To be respectful.” Jon also says he is very conscious of the importance of Māori perspectives and culture and their relationship with the land and water, and he is keen to add some Māori words and phrases into his vocabulary. With just a few days of confinement left in MIQ, Jon is upbeat and excited to start the next phase of his life in Auckland. “I can’t complain about my managed isolation – the staff have been more than helpful, the food is great, and I’m allowed out to exercise. But I am really looking forward to getting out and meeting people face-to-face.” MAY / JUNE 2021 WATER NEW ZEALAND

PROFILE WATER NEW ZEALAND

Bringing the best of both worlds

I also managed to come away with an Auckland Council project leader award.” Faiz is quick to put this success down to teamwork. “We had to accelerate the commissioning of the reservoir to help with the drought relief here in Auckland. To do this we ramped up our efforts – people, hours, and plant. But crucially, our design and construction partners worked together with us to make things happen quickly. “Teamwork and collaboration really enhanced the efficiencies.” Faiz has recently taken yet another step up the career ladder, becoming operations manager – central networks in September last year. “It’s an awesome challenge and has been very rewarding. “I have a small team and they’re quite young so I’ve been able to mentor and also learn from them, which I love. “They’re willing to listen and take things on board, and are keen to progress their careers too, which is exciting. “A good working environment is imperative – it is best to surround yourself with good people and a good culture.” This particular bent will serve him well in the future. “I’m looking to move into general management and to get onto some more boards. I want to be able to make changes to help improve people’s lives.” For information about the scholarships funded by Watercare through the University of Auckland, go to bit.ly/3x9d9eP

Currently, Faiz is chairperson of the Governance Committee for Orakei Marae, Social and Health Services. He also spends a number of hours each month on his work as a future director of Ngati Whatua Whai Rawa, a $1.2b property investment company. He believes his Māori culture gives him the advantage of a different perspective on world views and allows him to add value in this way. Further to this, Faiz’s father is from Singapore, an indigenous Malay, expanding his ability to look at things from a non-Western and non-engineering viewpoint. “I can offer an indigenous perspective but, having grown up with a western education and followed a western career path, I can appreciate the differences between the two. “My indigenous background allows me to provide a different world view when we’re looking for input into a project or strategy. However, I’m still an engineer and able to get into the numbers and technical details if needed.” Looking forward, Faiz is keen to help improve the water industry and sees many opportunities ahead within the sector as the new reforms are rolled out. “I want to help the sector to do the best by its customers. “We’re facing new times as the industry goes through a change – it’s a little daunting but really exciting. I’m looking forward to being involved. “Change is inevitable, and you need to be receptive to it if you want to continue to progress.”

Faiz Salim is a man on a mission. A mission to not only excel in his career but to encourage others to do the same. By Mary Searle Bell. From a modest background, Faiz has worked hard and made the most of every opportunity that has come his way, proving the age-old theory that anyone can be successful if they put in the necessary effort. “I have come from pretty humble beginnings. My dad was a storeman, my mum a social worker.” “At school I had a preference for maths and science, but in year 10 I went to an engineering open day where I was told I’d need good grades to get into the prestigious course they had on offer. So I started focusing on my schoolwork.” Faiz will admit he, like any high schooler, strayed at times, but was willing to do what was needed to make it into engineering school. “You don’t have to necessarily be academically smart to get the results you need, but you do have to work hard.” His exam results got him into the University of Auckland studying for a degree in civil engineering. Thanks to being of Ngati Whatua descent, in his final year of high school he was awarded a full scholarship by Watercare, which was established to encourage and support a student of Māori heritage undertaking study in engineering at the University of Auckland. This not only covered his fees, but provided internships during the holidays while he was studying and a graduate role for him to step into when he had completed his studies. “I loved it. I think it’s a great model and would like to see more people recruited this way.

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“Watercare has looked after me from the beginning. I actually started working for them as a graduate engineer before I had finished my degree, and once I had, I became a project engineer for their water infrastructure programmes team. “I have a mentor at work and often talk with other colleagues within my network about their experiences and careers. Being relatively young, I find it interesting reflecting on not only what they did to get where they are now, but what they would have done differently if they had another chance to do so.” Faiz is also very keen on helping youngsters in this way, mentoring his staff as well as friends. At this stage it’s a casual arrangement but it is something he would like to do more formally in time as he knows the benefits are tremendous. “Knowing where you want to go next is important so you can put steps in place to get there.” To this end, Faiz has ensured he hasn’t become too specialised in any particular area. He has intentionally remained a generalist by focusing on project management, and now operations, with an eye on moving into general management as his career progresses. To this end, he has completed an MBA. After a couple of years working as a project engineer on some of the company’s bigger projects, he moved up to a project management role. At just 27, he was one of the youngest project managers in the organisation. “My most significant project was probably the Pukekohe East Reservoir. It was really successful and won two awards last year.

Gambling with your planning costs?

MAY / JUNE 2021 WATER NEW ZEALAND

WATER NEW ZEALAND UPDATE

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT The Cultural Significance and Importance of Wai module Opportunities to participate in the Water New Zealand’s first Cultural Significance and Importance of Wai module sold out shortly after they went on sale in March. Training and development manager Mumtaz Parker says the first course was limited to 20 participants to ensure good quality interaction and learning. Following a half-day in-person session in Wellington, the course continued online for five more sessions with presenters and guests speaking on topics such as Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Te Mana o te Wai, decision frameworks and empowering organisations. Dates are currently being finalised for intakes in Auckland and Christchurch. To register your interest in attending this module, email Mumtaz on training@waternz.org.nz. Also, keep an eye on Pipeline and the Water New Zealand events page for more information.

When every drop counts

Participants at a recent Cultural Significance and Importance of Wai module.

WIPA opportunities The Water Industry Professionals Association (WIPA) is the CPD (continuing professional development) and registration programme for water industry professionals. More information is available at www.wipa.co.nz. To enrol with WIPA, email info@wipa.co.nz. More courses are regularly added to the WIPA website. For those already enrolled for WIPA, please ensure you are accumulating CPD points.

Experience in small or rural water supply? The drinking water reforms will result in significant changes in the way small and rural water suppliers work and operate. With that in mind, Water New Zealand is currently drafting a new competency framework for those working in small or rural supply areas. We are looking for people with relevant experience who may be interested in contributing to the framework development. If you have relevant experience in this part of the water sector and would be interested in joining a review panel or discussing this further, email training@waternz.org.nz.

Drinking Water 101 – getting to grips with the basics Water New Zealand’s new Drinking Water 101 has got off to a great start; Mumtaz says there’s been a lot of interest in the new course and she’s also heartened by the feedback from recent attendees. So far there have been two completed course cohorts and a third intake is underway. The online course is designed to provide a basic understanding of drinking water and all the people and processes involved prior to water reaching the tap. Mumtaz stresses that Drinking Water 101 is designed not just for people already working in the water sector but for anyone with an interest in drinking water.

“Its aim is to help bridge any gaps in the knowledge and understanding of drinking water and all the components relating to safe, clean drinking water. “Enrolling for the badge enables you to add to your knowledge bank or to further your own professional development. Whatever your motivation, this is the first step towards a better understanding of drinking water.” As one recent participant commented: “I really enjoyed the mix of videos and extra reading. It is a great introduction to drinking water and I am looking forward to Wastewater 101.” Participants have up to one month to complete a course which involves four to six hours learning time. To register, go to: bit.ly/2RGVCuh. Also, the Wastewater 101 digital badge will be available in June.

Stormwater Education and Training Subgroup Do you want to connect with other stormwater professionals? If so, the Water New Zealand Education and Training subgroup wants to hear from you. The group supports capability and capacity building for stormwater practitioners and provides technical support to Water New Zealand’s training and development manager. Members have recently developed a new Stormwater Education, Training and Sector Development Plan, which they intend to put into action over the next year, as well as a new webpage portal to connect training providers and practitioners. They also hope to try out a new stormwater research forum to identify research topics in response to future challenges as well as provide webinars aimed at a wider audience. There is also scope for more regional meetings and events, so the group is particularly looking for support from members in a variety of regions throughout the country to help with those events. If you’re a stormwater professional interested in connecting with your peers, contact katrina.guy@waternz.org.nz to find out more.

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www.adriley.co.nz 26 www.waternz.org.nz

WATER NEW ZEALAND STORMWATER

Stormwater management through wetland design A new multimillion-dollar public wetland, designed by local artists to improve water quality in South Auckland waterways and support endangered native wildlife, has opened. The new 35,000 square metre freshwater wetland, designed in the 361 hectare Drury South Crossing subdivision, is one of the largest constructed wetlands in the country. As with the rest of the country, wetlands in Auckland have been significantly depleted and degraded in the past through drainage for the development of the city, however, what is left continues to support a range of native species and around onethird of the nationally-threatened plants in the region.

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The newly constructed wetland is in the country’s largest industrial and residential development. It is designed to improve water quality in the area and provide a habitat for endangered eels, fish and birds, and forms part of an extensive new public recreation area. Located in one of Auckland city’s deepest flood plains, the wetland is designed to hold floodwater volumes of up to 58,900 cubic metres, or the equivalent capacity of 23.5 Olympic-size swimming pools.

The wetland has also been designed in the shape of an eel (tuna) as a culturally significant motif that provides the stormwater management system with a mechanism to reduce the speed of water entering the catchment area, through a network of high volume intake pipes at up to 16 cubic metres of water per second. Dam design experts on the project worked with local artists Ted Ngataki and Maaka Potini to incorporate the concept of the tuna into the wetland design. The eel

The new 35,000 square metre freshwater wetland, designed in the 361 hectare Drury South Crossing subdivision, is one of the largest constructed wetlands in the country. It has also been designed in the shape of an eel (tuna) as a culturally significant motif, to reduce the speed of water entering the catchment area.

also has a particular significance to the local Māori descendants as they are endemic to the area and were once prevalent and a key part of traditional cultural diet and trade. Peter Norfolk, project manager from Tonkin + Taylor, says the new wetland is uniquely designed to act as a dam in both directions. That is, holding the wetland water in during normal operation but overtopping into the wetland in very large flood events to provide additional flood capacity in the floodplain. The eel design also has functional purposes, not just cosmetic. “The complexity of the S-shaped design MAY / JUNE 2021 WATER NEW ZEALAND

WATER NEW ZEALAND STORMWATER

with its winding curves and varying elevations is necessary to control the high velocity of the water entering the forebays through 2-2.5 metre pipes – reducing it to a slow meandering stream and filtering the water to allow the natural removal of sediment and pollutants before it passes through a green outfall into the Hingaia Stream and into the Manukau Harbour,” he says. Peter says the wetland has taken two years to complete and required the excavation of more than 396,000 tonnes of material. The creation of the wetland with this degree of complex geometry would not have been possible within this timeframe without advancements in the latest 3D modelling technology and integrated guidance systems for excavators. “Bringing this design to life in a relatively short space of time required the latest in sophisticated 3D modelling and construction techniques, which are used to guide the excavators via GPS,” he says.

"...we have gone a step further by preventing unpainted roofing materials made with zinc from being used at the subdivision." Stephen Hughes

Stephen Hughes, Drury South Crossing CEO, says a number of environmental considerations have been integrated into the new subdivision and include removing pollutants such as zinc, the most common of all heavy metal contaminants in urban rivers and streams, from roofing materials used on site. “In the past, residential lawns and grass around houses would have helped contribute to capturing sediment from stormwater runoff however modern subdivisions tend to have less lawn, which increases the need to capture runoff from surrounding roads and housing. “While filtering stormwater and runoff is a key aspect of protecting our urban waterways, we have gone a step further by preventing unpainted roofing materials made with zinc from being used at the subdivision,” he says. “The creation of this new wetland and public recreational area is designed to set a new standard for residential and industrial developments in the Auckland region.

A Wetland Canvas Innovative 3D modelling and excavation for bespoke wetland design. “Bringing this design to life in a relatively short space of time required the latest in sophisticated 3D modelling and construction techniques”, Peter Norfolk, Design Manager, Tonkin + Taylor. “The wetland provides both stormwater treatment and a space the community can enjoy. Working with Mana Whenua to develop the shape of the wetland (eel) and seeing it come to life has been an incredibly rewarding experience”, Jade Huffadine, Civil Engineer, Tonkin + Taylor.

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www.tonkintaylor.co.nz

Reawakening natural environments for communities

URBAN STREAMS WATER NEW ZEALAND

An Auckland Council Healthy Waters project not just remedies flooding issues for a stormwater catchment, but delivers a water sensitive, green design project and a new connected community floodplain/open space. Article by Mark Lewis from Boffa Miskell and Shaun Jones (formerly of Aecom). Te Auaunga (previously Oakley Creek) is an Auckland Council Healthy Waters project, which remedies flooding issues for over 200 homes in three local board areas. During the course of the project, the focus shifted dramatically from a flood reduction project to establishing a regionally significant river park to accommodate flood flows, enable housing intensification, and assist the regeneration of the community.

A flooding solution

The stream flowing through Walmsley and Underwood Reserves (the project site), was formed in the 1930s, when it was cut through underlying basalt to drain Wai o Rakataura, the ancient wetland of the area. Subsequent housing development caused an increase in stormwater runoff from the catchment, which, combined with naturally occurring floodwaters, led to a long history of dramatic flooding in the local low-lying neighbourhoods. Significant remedial work was undertaken in 1954 and 1990 but despite these efforts, flooding continued in the catchment. The housing stock adjacent to the floodplain remained undercapitalised, with the community prevented from development

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or regeneration. Consequently, the community surrounding the project site has shown the highest scores for socio-economic deprivation in the country. Several studies over the past decade have investigated the best method to manage the flood plains within Te Auaunga Catchment. Most recently, Aecom New Zealand evaluated four options using a multi-criteria analysis (MCA) to adopt the catchment strategy. Option one was to accept the present risk of flooding properties and homes in the catchment, recognising that development and climate change would exacerbate the problem. Option two was to increase stream channel capacity to reduce habitable floor flooding, including the removal of hydraulic controls to direct flood flows from upper catchment areas. Option three was to construct a two metre diameter tunnel to intercept excess flows from upstream reaches of Te Auaunga and divert them into the Manukau harbour. The Te Auaunga (previously Oakley Creek) project; the focus shifted dramatically from a flood reduction project to establishing a regionally significant river park to accommodate flood flows, enable housing intensification, and assist the regeneration of the community.

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WATER NEW ZEALAND URBAN STREAMS

Option four was to divert the upper Te Auaunga into the parallel Meola catchment via a tunnel. These options were analysed against several parameters including cost, hydraulic performance, environmental effects, regulatory impediments, construction risk, and the ability to undertake the work in stages for available budgets. Option two was preferred as it could be delivered in stages and was low-cost. The design team for Te Auaunga Project were Boffa Miskell (design lead and landscape architect), Aecom New Zealand (engineers), and McCoy Heine (fale architects). The construction contractor was Fulton Hogan. Te Auaunga was centred around the restoration of two

kilometres of concrete channel, and the daylighting of seven tributaries to create new headwater streams. Streams were restored with bioengineering approaches, by forming naturalised meander and channel profiles based on targeted flows, reusing natural materials harvested from site to maintain banks and channels, and ultimately relying on plants for streambank stability. The design was adapted to respond to natural geologies and geological features. For example, basalt rock outcrops were primarily left in situ, with the density of the material determining the path of the stream, with excavated rock also being transferred to peat and alluvial sections of the stream channel. Flood modelling demonstrated that the proposed channel

would reduce the extent of the local floodplain, effectively removing historic development controls on private properties, potentially increasing zoning from single house residential to terrace and apartment buildings. In this sense, the project changed from a flood control project to enabling works for community intensification, with the potential to add thousands of new residential dwellings. Work within the local watercourse could now respond to localised flooding issues and be a candidate for stream naturalisation and/or a ‘greenway’ as part of a connected community floodplain/open space. In this regard, it was an overt response to the plight of a community that had long been marginalised by flooding in their

catchment, providing an opportunity to respond to community aspirations, and provide an increased level of amenity to service future intensification. The final project was a product of collaborative planning and design, undertaken with local community including Māori, and Auckland Council’s Healthy Waters, community facilities, and community development, arts and culture. This was facilitated through governance meetings, design workshops, a community liaison group, public open days and surveys, and school-based workshops to ensure all views were considered within the project objectives and final design. The project has treated the water quality for the adjacent catchment through bioswales, raingardens and wetlands.

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MAY / JUNE 2021 WATER NEW ZEALAND

WATER NEW ZEALAND URBAN STREAMS

AGRULINE

A river park has been created from the floodplain with a network of shared pathways and pedestrian bridges, a community fale (house) and atea (courtyard) space, and an outdoor classroom. Following consultation with schools and the local community, play opportunities, including natural play, were scattered throughout the reserves; along with a BMX track that wove around and between the trees and existing landforms. The majority would appear upon exploration and offered children a unique experience to engage with their restored environment, to ‘get dirty’ and enliven their imaginations. Traditional Māori play items (mara hupara) were integrated into the environments, which were chosen to speak to the restoration process, the traditional uses of Te Auaunga, and the historic wetland Wai o Rakataura. Auckland Council worked with local training institutes and contractors to integrate social procurement into contract documents for the implementation of the project, and support community business development as part of the wider project delivery. Te Auaunga continues to be the beneficiary of a fortuitous convergence of strategic planning processes in its catchment. The Waterview Highway project, planned for over 20 years, was delivered just in time to provide the flood conveyance required for the project. Kainga Ora (the newly reformed HNZC) is undertaking extensive urban regeneration in the area over the coming decade, making this project and further reaches to be restored upstream, key enablers for this growth.

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Following consultation with schools and the local community, play opportunities, including natural play, were scattered throughout the reserves.

Te Auaunga delivered on the aspirations of Auckland Council to deliver a water sensitive design project by delivering green infrastructure before built form (planned intensification) and providing for multiple benefits from stormwater works. A strong mandate has arisen from the project for Auckland’s future development: to value, protect, and restore our streams as catalysing agents for community regeneration, as opportunities for enhanced water quality, and as a means to reawaken our urban residents to the value of their ‘natural’ environments.

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WATER NEW ZEALAND TE AO MĀORI

The importance of

Māori place names to stormwater design

Nā ngā tūpunangā taonga i tuku iho – Treasures passed down from our ancestors Ko taku taunahanahataka ko taku tōpuni ki te whenua –

At last year’s Water New Zealand Stormwater Conference, board member Troy Brockbank spoke about the benefits of delving into Māori place names when planning new stormwater solutions.

For those of us working in stormwater management or design, Waipuke is a particularly interesting word. It means flood – clearly a word that raises a red-flag in our industry. Recently I was reviewing some flood management plan documents. The plan reported that the area was not subject to flooding. Yet when I looked at the map, there was the word Waipuke on one of the streams. The designer assured me that the modelling, as well as current knowledge, did not indicate any tendency for that area to flood. But the original Māori placename, Waipuke, literally translates as water-flood. That was just one example where clues were missed that would otherwise inform the work we do. For practitioners, it would clearly be wise to dive a bit deeper in assessing land and waters in that area. On a practical basis, historical placenames can tell us a lot. Names have deep meaning in Māori and often describe events that have happened in a region. As it is a largely oral language, a lot of history is tied up in names. Māori have a profound relationship with land and the environment which goes way deeper than a physical connection to the land. It

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is essential to understand the emphasis Te Ao Māori places on a spiritual connection with the land. That deep connection naturally extends to the water that comes with the land. And it’s no accident that as our tupuna (ancestors) went through life, they used names that tell us of significant events or activities. As well, there are many examples of the way the language is used to describe different types of water. For instance, there’s wai on the land – wai-o-nuku (the waters of Papatūānuku), and waters in the sky – wai-o-rangi (the waters of Ranginui). We also have waters of the sea (moana) – moananui (great ocean), moanaroa (the long, ongoing ocean), moana potango (the dark ocean), moana pouri (the dark, depressed ocean), moana hakere (the gloomy ocean). It’s important to listen to the language of water and delve into the meaning of the various suffixes and prefixes associated with wai. For instance, Waiora means healthy water, while the meaning of Waipiro is stinking water. Incidentally Waipiro is also the name for alcohol.

My names are the treasured cloak which adorns this land

The small town of Canterbury, Waipara translates to muddy or swampy water, and there is a myriad of other examples where towns, cities and regions are named after the type of water and land that they are on. Water New Zealand (Waiora Aotearoa) has produced a number of documents and posters in recent years that help describe these different types of water such as our Ngā momo wai poster produced as part of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week). But the big challenge for us, as designers and practitioners, is how do we whaiwhia te kete mātauranga, or fill our knowledge basket to understand how Te Ao Māori can help us with our work? How can we genuinely incorporate this knowledge? First and foremost, it is vital to engage with local iwi. Too often indigenous values, from knowledge accumulated over thousands of years, are considered as a last-minute addition and compartmentalised as a separate ‘cultural bottom line’ indicator or, in many projects, even excluded. In this I stress the need to not just consult but ensure the engagement is real and meaningful.

Helpful directory of Māori and iwi organisations Did you know about Te Kāhui Māngai? It is a useful tool on the Te Puni Kokiri website that helps locate the various iwi, hapū and marae in a specific geographical area. The tool provides valuable links, information and contact details for regional and district iwi authorities and hapū representatives. It also gives information on iwi identified in the Māori Fisheries Act 2004, and those iwi/hapū that have begun the process of negotiating settlement of their historical Treaty of Waitangi claims; this includes their rohe, hapū, marae, and the organisations that represent these iwi/hapū as recognised by the New Zealand Government. Go to www.tkm.govt.nz/ and www.tkm.govt.nz/map/ to find iwi by map.

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There are also a number of easily obtainable resources out there to help us fill our basket. These include a recently completed project, the Te Reo Māori map of Aotearoa/New Zealand which has bilingual place names as well as official names and recorded names from iwi and other Maori entities. Information is on the New Zealand Land Information website and it’s worth tracking down a copy of AW Reed’s Place Names of New Zealand. My colleague Emily Afoa and I recently published Te Ao Māori

and Water Sensitive Urban Design, which aims to demonstrate the intrinsic relationship between people, water, and the natural environment embedded across both the physical and spiritual planes within Te Ao Māori. In our publication, we discuss how these connections promote stewardship and protection of te taiao (the natural world); and therefore, how indigenous values – specifically holistic values reflected in Te Ao Māori – can inform, enhance, and complement water sensitive urban design.

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WATER NEW ZEALAND PREPAREDNESS

Creating and maintaining a pandemic plan

➓

tips

and a free plan to get you started By Nigel Toms, acting chief financial officer, Watercare Services In 2019, if a selection of organisations had been asked how many of them had pandemic plans, I doubt many would have said yes. If asked again at the beginning of 2021, even if they did not have a specific pandemic plan yet, most would accept that significant revisions and wider thinking would be required in order to maintain business operations when faced with Covid-19. While Covid-19 challenges continue, it is interesting to note that conversations with counterparts in other utilities confirmed that significant innovations were identified and implemented to address the challenges that came with Covid-19; new ways of working are now the norm; and the pace at which changes were made was impressive and far beyond expectations. However, when asked if their pandemic plan (if they had one) has been updated to encapsulate these learnings and innovations, the answers varied from, • Not yet – no timeframe set; • When normal operations resume; • As soon as resources are available – resources undefined; • It will be a separate project, timescale to be discussed.

While I sympathise with the challenges faced, the dichotomy between the wide acceptance for the requirement for an update of a pandemic plan and the need to address other competing priorities, should not leave the pandemic plan in second place. For Watercare, maintaining 24/7 operations is critical, with an expectation from all stakeholders that these services will continue uninterrupted to the standard required, with Nigel Toms significant/regulatory consequences for any failures. With this in mind, we completed a full update of our pandemic plan and have released a free generic plan that can also be used simply as a matrix for comparison, to ensure that nothing critical is missing from other organisations’ pandemic plans. The plan has been designed to be easy to roll out, easy to adapt to different contexts, and easy to use when responding to specific challenges from future outbreaks. With the experience of having just completed an update to our pandemic plan, here are 10 tips to get other large organisations and utilities started on creating or updating their own pandemic plans.

1. Identify your core – and protect it

2. Bring departments together

A pandemic plan, much like business continuity and disaster recovery plans, has to be clearly focused on the critical or core areas of a business. Not all areas of a utility are critical to maintain services and the plan should ideally be designed to wrap organisational support around the core business. The first action is to clearly identify the core and make sure everyone understands the areas with these core elements. A good check is that, in most cases, the critical/core parts of a business are covered in its mission or strategy statement.

The intrinsic nature of a pandemic demands that all groups within an organisation will use the pandemic plan in some way. Make sure to integrate risk-and-resilience thinking in the plan and develop it to encourage collaboration among the different departments, units and functions to ensure efficient and effective implementation and operation. Above: Clearly identify the core of your organisation and your plan should wrap organisational support around the core business.

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WATER NEW ZEALAND PREPAREDNESS

3. Structure and process to support the plan

incident management is well-understood across the organisation and is not restricted to a few higher tier staff. Once again, this goes to risk-and-resilience practices that can set the organisation up for the long term. In addition, using experienced staff as mentors allows knowledge to be passed on.

Watercare’s plan is drawn from and aligned to the Coordinated Incident Management System (CIMS) to aid organising our response (see article on page 48). The CIMS structure provides clear delineation of responsibility across various functions, while demanding coordination from them. The structure also enables us to have as big or as small an incident team as necessary to maintain crucial functions and manage incident response. Whether you decide to build your plans on CIMS or an alternate system, the important part is to have a clear structure with clear responsibilities that is well understood by staff. This should be the case not just for pandemics but for all incidents.

8. Participate in lessons learned debriefs All team members should participate in a ‘lessons learned’ debrief at the conclusion of practice sessions. Participation at these sessions leads to a shared understanding of the elements that worked well during an incident response and elements that could have been improved upon. Do it as soon as possible after the incident closes, as memories fade quickly.

4. Delineate stages and outline actions to each function

9. Include support networks in exercises

Break the pandemic response into stages that take into account global and national reactions. Customise these stages to closely reflect the realities within your national and local environments. While taking account of what might be happening around you, also use these stages to clearly define what you as an organisation will be doing to protect your core business at that time. For example, you might decide to put in place strict work-from-home and contact tracing measures, even before your country announces any kind of lockdown. Such pre-emptive measures can go a long way to protect from multiple infections within staff. All of this needs to be delineated in stages and actions, defined in detail for each function.

5. Drive top-down to build long term thinking

The pandemic plan needs to be driven top-down by the leadership. The executive and the board should be seen to support the plan and encourage the thinking embedded in the plan at every opportunity – not just during a pandemic but before and after. This should be part of a larger effort to build risk-and-resilience thinking within the company’s culture.

6. Run incident practices/exercises with varied teams A plan is only as good as the number of practice runs you put it through. Different teams should be put through practice sessions on a regular basis to ensure that they remain aware and up to date on

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A part that is most often forgotten is the inclusion of the organisation’s support networks (contractors, suppliers, consultants) in any exercises related to pandemic plans. Your support network will also need to continue to function in order for you to continue to provide critical services to stakeholders. Include them in exercises. That way, they know what your plan and expectations are in case of pandemics (or any

the requirements of the plan, and to ensure that the plan itself is changed regularly to reflect any modifications in organisational functions and processes. A plan is only as strong as the people and process supporting it, so keep testing both regularly to find and address gaps. It is alright to have failings during tests. Failing safely allows improvements to be identified and implemented.

7. Pick inexperienced staff to act as deputies Make sure that incident management teams are diverse, and include staff from different tiers as deputies during practice sessions. This is essential to making sure that knowledge related to

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incidents), and they can modify their response structure to support your position.

10. Record experiences and keep your plan updated Use training systems to record staff who have gained experience from each incident and exercise. This is a powerful way to identify requirements for learning and training, especially with new staff and support networks. It is also a good way to identify and train future leaders. Plans should be reviewed and modified regularly. Review it after every training exercise. This will keep the plan fresh and, ultimately, easy to roll out when needed. Once updated plans are in place, they should be used to guide a range of continuing tests of differing complexity/scale to ensure that staff and supporting processes/systems are ready for the challenges to come. We all have a vested interest in ensuring utility and wider business operations can continue, regardless of the many and varied future challenges. Watercare’s plan, along with these 10 tips, will aid you when facing future pandemic challenges. The guide, ‘A Pandemic Plan for Utilities’, can be downloaded from Watercare’s website, www.watercare.co.nz/About-us/Reportsand-publications.

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Explaining the CIMS emergency framework The Co-ordinated Incident Management System (CIMS), is the government’s framework to enable effective response to incidents and the transition into recovery, as Shane Briggs from the National Emergency Management Agency Te Rākau Whakamarumaru, explains. Being well prepared to respond in an emergency situation will have a big impact not only on the immediate well-being of communities, but also on their ability to recover from a major disruption. CIMS uses the term ‘incident’, meaning a situation that needs a response from one or more organisations. Incidents can be ‘emergencies’ as defined by the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002. Its principles and characteristics allow CIMS to be adapted to any hazard type, complexity or scale, while providing interoperability between organisations and managing expectations of roles and responsibilities. There are three CIMS principles, which are the fundamental rules that serve as the foundation for incident response: •U rupare ki ngā hiahia hapori – Responsive to community needs • Ngāwaritanga – Flexibility • Mahi ngātahi – Unity of effort

Urupare ki ngā hiahia hapori – Responsive to community needs Ultimately, we respond to incidents because communities are affected directly or indirectly. Response should mitigate and manage the consequences of an incident on the affected individuals, families and communities, including animals. In CIMS, the term ‘community’ is deliberately broad and can include affected staff and customers. To ensure the effects and their resulting consequences on communities are understood, a consequence analysis is undertaken across the social, built, economic and natural environments. Not all incidents will cause consequences across all four environments,

however, this can only be confirmed by applying this wider analysis approach. • Social environment: Safety, security, health, education, welfare, psychosocial • Built environment: Housing, commercial and industrial, essential services infrastructure, heritage buildings, lifelines • Natural environment: Air, water, land and soil, plants and animals • Economic environment: Individuals and households, businesses and enterprises, sectors, government. In a small-scale incident, this analysis can be a mental process by one person, in a large-scale or complex incident, it may be undertaken by team of people.

Ngāwaritanga – Flexibility

As a framework, CIMS is modular and scalable, therefore applicable to incidents that vary widely in terms of hazard, situational characteristics, complexity or scale. CIMS is the official framework for coordinating multiple organisations responding to an incident. It enables organisations to work together efficiently through a unified chain of command, common terminology and common processes. It enables incidents to be managed and coordinated at the incident site, locally, regionally or nationally, or any combination of these response levels. It provides organisations with a framework that they can use to develop their own internal CIMS-aligned processes and procedures that support both own-organisation responses and multi-organisation

interoperability, giving due consideration to each organisation’s unique responsibilities, resources and legislative authority. While CIMS uses the term organisation, CIMS can be applied within a single organisation across sites/offices, business units or teams.

Mahi ngātahi – Unity of effort

There is always a lead agency, the organisation mandated through legislation or expertise for managing a particular type of incident. The lead agency can change as the incident develops, and the required authority or expertise changes. While the lead agency alone manages some incidents, many incidents require the support of other organisations. Organisations supporting the lead agency are known as support agencies. When there is more than one organisation involved in a response, it is important that the organisations coordinate activities and share their planning. Coordination is about bringing together organisations and resources to ensure a combined effort. This is based on a collective understanding of the situation, what the response will achieve, what needs to be done, how it will be done, who will do it, and when. Coordinated intelligence and planning processes supports this. The more other organisations are included in these processes, the more consistent and effective the incident response will be. Besides the three CIMS principles, there are nine characteristics of CIMS. The characteristics are the features and qualities that define CIMS. They are distinguishing traits or noticeable qualities of a coordinated incident management system. Some of the key characteristics are:

Common structures, roles and responsibilities

Organisations operate either as a hierarchy which is a set structure that relies on command and control, or as a network which is more flexible and based on relationships between roles. CIMS operates as a combination of the two, a networked hierarchy. When organisations are responding to an incident, it is important that everyone knows who is in charge and who handles aspects of the incident response. A common structure, along with common roles and responsibilities, makes it possible for organisations to work effectively alongside each other and for personnel to interchange roles. CIMS uses a hierarchical structure with the controller being at the top of the operational hierarchy, directing the various functions and organisations involved. The controller manages the operational response to the incident

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Figure 1

48 www.waternz.org.nz

Figure 2

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WATER NEW ZEALAND SAFETY

and must have a formal delegation from governance (political or senior executive) and/or endorsement for the role in accordance with statutory powers or internal arrangements. Figure 1 shows the full CIMS incident management structure. Remember that CIMS is flexible. In many incidents, only some functions will be required. In a small-scale response, some functions will be combined and may be performed by a single person. In a large-scale response, there may be entire teams of people in a function or sub-function. Each response will have some form of governance which maintains executive oversight, influences the strategic direction outside the operational response, and releases resources and finances to support the response. The separation of governance ensures the controller can focus on the coordination of the operational response to the incident and the consequences on people and communities. The functions shown in red in Figure 2 are the controller's support team. Technical advisors may, for example, comprise public health representatives in an incident involving drinking water, or volcanologists during a volcanic eruption. The rest of the diagram in Figure 2 shows the remaining CIMS functions, which are a grouping of activities that address some of the core responsibilities of a response. For example, operations is the function responsible for the coordination of the response activities as per the action plan. It is also responsible for coordinating volunteers and liaising with other agencies. This includes liaising with lifeline utilities through operation’s ‘lifelines utility coordination’ sub-function. To ensure appropriate coordination and communication between the respective functions and organisations, the controller establishes an incident management team (IMT). The IMT comprises of the CIMS function managers, the controller and some of the controller's support team. The IMT may include other organisation representatives.

Consolidated planning

The act of planning is an essential part of response. We achieve effective response planning by defining response objectives and integrating the activities of other functions and organisations into a cohesive course of action to achieve those objectives. The controller is responsible for planning, and while this is normally delegated to the planning function, the accountability and approval of the action plan remains with the controller. The planning process brings together the IMT and stakeholders to identify what needs to be done to ensure an effective resolution to the situation. It involves ensuring that the plan is relevant for the current and forecasted situation (intelligence), activities are safe (safety), the required resources are available (logistics), it’s responsive to the community needs (welfare) and ultimately it can be operationalised (operations). The process normally leads to written plans and ensures what needs to be done is understood by everyone involved in the response. This shared understanding enables organisations to align their own response objectives and avoid duplication of effort. Planning occurs in any incident response; it is the level of complexity and size that determines how formal the process needs to be to manage the planning activities. CIMS uses the ‘Planning P’ which depicts the stages in the planning process. Step one, initial understanding and mobilisation’, is only done at the outset of the incident. The cycle in steps two to five may happen multiple times throughout the incident response until it requires no further planning to resolve the situation.

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Command and control

s1 -4)

Command and control are terms used to describe who has the authority to make decisions. Command is the authority within a team, unit or organisation and includes the internal ownership, administrative responsibility and detailed supervision of personnel, tasks and resources. Command cannot be exercised across teams, units or organisations unless specifically agreed. Control, as in the incident controller, is the authority to set objectives and direct tasks across teams, units and organisations within their capability and capacity. This may include control over another team, unit or organisation’s resources but does not include interference with that team, unit or organisation’s command authority.

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These are a few of the characteristics, responsibilities and processes in CIMS. For more detail and/or support on CIMS and its applicability, engage with your organisation’s emergency management or business continuity team. The Coordinated Incident Management System (CIMS), third edition, and other resources including role cards and a CIMS executive summary for chief executives can be found at www.civildefence.govt.nz

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Sewage solution A $27 million wastewater project for Kerikeri aims to minimise the risk of contamination from septic tanks and deliver plenty of extra future capacity. By Matthew Lowe. Sewage network expansion

The Far North District Council gave the new sewage scheme the go ahead in March 2014 and Broadspectrum New Zealand (now Ventia) started construction of the plant in May 2018. Meanwhile, Whangarei-based United Civil Construction has laid more than 26 kilometres of pipes to allow an extra 350 households and businesses to connect to a network that previously catered for about 1100 properties. Ultimately, a further 2000 properties will be able to connect. Council infrastructure and asset management general manager Andy Finch says the project was needed to replace an existing treatment plant on Shepherd Road that is more than 30 years old. The new plant will be able to treat 1000 cubic metres of sewage a day, more than three times the volume of the current facility, and this can be expanded to up to 2000 cubic metres. “The old plant is approaching hydraulic and biological capacity and struggles to achieve required effluent standards. Due to urban growth, housing is now closer to the plant and there are more frequent odour complaints from residents.”

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Left: United Civil Construction used small diggers to minimise disruption as it dug trenches for pipes along council roads. Above: More than 70 concrete panels will make up the wastewater plant. Right: The sequencing batch reactor at the plant is made of pre-cast concrete panels that had to be craned in.

Septic tank challenges

“Kerikeri is the Far North’s fastest-growing town, but many properties still rely on on-site wastewater disposal systems (OSD), such as septic tanks and associated soakage fields to dispose of sewage and wastewater. “Septic tanks also limit the town’s housing density, as well as development options for property owners. “Without a reticulated town wastewater system, Kerikeri property owners cannot subdivide their land, making denser housing more difficult to achieve and increasing pressure on Kerikeri to spread out across irreplaceable horticultural land.” Andy says the project, which the Ministry of Health supported with a $7.3 million subsidy, will be better for the environment and people’s health. “As Kerikeri grows, the danger that poorly maintained OSDs will contaminate land, waterways and Kerikeri Inlet increases. Untreated wastewater contains bacteria such as E. coli and campylobacter; viruses such as norovirus and hepatitis A; and protozoa such as cryptosporidium and giardia. “According to a 2008 Ministry for the Environment report MAY / JUNE 2021 WATER NEW ZEALAND

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more than half of the septic tanks surveyed in New Zealand were ‘known or highly likely to be at risk of failure’.” Andy says the choice of changing from OSD to reticulation was entirely up to property owners. “However, changing to reticulation has some added benefits for property owners, like the ability to subdivide properties, and no more five-yearly inspections and cleaning of septic tanks. United Civil was contracted in March 2017 to complete works on the sewage reticulation upgrade and expand the existing wastewater reticulation area. Homes and businesses were due to all be connected to the plant by May this year.

Installing the pressure sewer pump network

Among the challenges faced by United Civil were the varied geotechnical conditions, which ranged from soft topsoil areas to solid rock and large boulders. Most of the pipe network was directionally drilled rather than open trenched, to limit disruption and impact on property owners and public road users. The company constructed a gravity sewer pipework in the public highway, together with gravity connections from private property to the main sewer. It put in pressure sewer pump units and connected pipes on private land; decommissioned, cleaned and demolished hundreds of OSDs; built new sewage pumping stations and rising mains; and performed upgrades to existing pumping stations.

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Working to reduce risks With a contract value of over $14 million, Ventia has played a significant role as the principal contractor in the design and construction of the new plant. Originally planned for a quarry site 300 metres down the road, Ventia says the location of the new plant was revised when a range of risks were identified in the establishment phase. The scale of earthworks as well as geotechnical issues such as the retention and stability of rock faces saw the team recommend moving to a more elevated and stable greenfield site close by. This reduced the risk profile and the overall cost of the project. Ventia’s work on the project consisted of extensive earthworks to clear and prepare the site, establishing 1.5 kilometres of access road, and laying concrete slabs. The team also undertook the design and construction of multiple structures, interconnecting pipeworks and services, electrical design and fit out, and installation of a range of treatment systems such as UV, dewatering and dosing. As pipeline construction was undertaken through the Waitangi Forest, Ventia worked closely with the land owners to ensure spill and silt control design measures, such as silt fences and cut off drains, were put in place to reduce any risk of environmental harm.

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The company also installed more than 26km of pressure sewer pipe, ranging in size from 40mm to 250mm diameter, and connected hundreds of properties with private pumping stations to replace septic tank systems. The pump stations, which are two metres deep and one metre wide, grind waste into a liquid and pump it to the public sewer in the street. They will remain under council ownership and, once connected to a property’s electricity supply, the stations are estimated by officials to add about $5 a month to the average power bill.

Treatment plant construction

Concrete wall panels for the decant tank—the first part of the new treatment plant to be constructed—were precast by IES Construction in Kerikeri and trucked to the site in May 2019. Larger concrete panels were necessary for the sequencing batch reactor, which breaks down organic matter before it is transferred to the decant tank. About 70 large, pre-cast concrete panels, each weighing 11 tonnes, have gone into the project and took up to three months to install by crane. Smaller panels were cast and installed as required. “This plant is designed to meet increasing demand for the next 50 years and has expansion options beyond that point.” As work on the new Kerikeri plant draws to an end, the council is scrutinising the district’s 15 other wastewater schemes that serve 11,307 properties.

United Civil Construction staff install private pumping stations.

“The council is considering options where these are not fully meeting resource consent conditions or are nearing capacity,” he explains. “We are currently consulting with communities where these issues exist to explore solutions that are affordable, and environmentally and culturally appropriate.” Reprinted with permission from NZ Plumber Magazine

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Major wastewater project finished in Waikato Construction on the Waikeria wastewater pipeline project began in September 2019 and, after meeting timeframe and budget expectations and in the face of pandemic challenges, is now completed. The Waipa Council worked with the Department of Corrections to build a brand new wastewater connection for the Waikeria Prison, including a 10 kilometre wastewater pipeline from the prison through to the township of Kihikihi. The $30 million project, jointly funded and delivered by The Department of Corrections and Waipa District Council, involved installing two new pump stations and a length of wastewater pipeline between Waikeria Prison, Kihikihi and Te Awamutu. The new connection will allow wastewater from Waikeria Prison to be treated at the Te Awamutu wastewater treatment plant before being discharged to the Puniu River catchment, rather than the Mangatutu Stream where treated water used to be discharged. As part of the wastewater pipeline, improvements were also made to the region’s overall wastewater network to improve capacity and efficiency to cater for future growth. This included upgrades to Albert Park wastewater pump station, installing a rising main between State Highway 3 through Kihikihi to Rolleston Road, and a gravity main between Rolleston and Flat Road where it joins the Te Awamutu wastewater infrastructure. The Waikeria pump station was connected to Waipa’s network on March 15, pumping wastewater to the new Albert Park Pump station (via Kihikihi) which was connected in January this year. The council contributed $4.25 million for growth-related costs with the Corrections Department contributing the remainder for the new and upgraded infrastructure. “This project has been of great benefit to both Waipa and

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Corrections,” says the council’s service delivery group manager, Dawn Inglis. “We’ve been able to replace aging infrastructure while partnering with the department to treat the wastewater from their facility. “Overall, we’ll be able to achieve a far higher standard for treatment than previously possible, which is a great outcome for the Puniu River catchment.” With the project now complete and the assets sitting on the council’s books, Corrections will provide the district with a yearly fee towards the treatment of discharged waste, maintenance and depreciation of assets. The project has also brought new wastewater technology to the district, in the form of green odour-control domes in multiple locations across Kihikihi, Te Awamutu and Albert Park. Council’s Three Waters Programme manager Carl Smith advised that residents who do smell unpleasant odours emitting from the domes should contact council so they can replace the carbon filters. “The carbon filters effectively soak up odours from raw sewage as it travels through the wastewater network so if you do smell an unpleasant odour it means something is not working right and we need to undertake maintenance on the units. “Now that we are fully operational, we’ll be optimising the network and determining the best frequency for filter replacement to help minimise the effects on their neighbours. Community feedback will be an essential part of getting this just right.”

➋

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➌ Wastewater from Waikeria Prison will now be treated at the Te Awamutu wastewater treatment plant, thanks to two new pump stations (1) and a 10-kilometre long wastewater pipe (2). The project also saw improvements to the region's overall wastewater network, including an upgrade to Albert Park wastewater pump station (3).

0800 080 229 info@nzcontrols.co.nz

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Cambridge’s iconic lake has long been a source of concern for the community due to its poor water quality, and concerns were raised during the Waipa District Council’s consultation on its lake draft concept plan last April. A plan to address this issue has now been put forward. Broken down into three stages, it would see the construction of raingardens and implementation of proprietary devices to treat stormwater runoff before it enters the lake. Council water services manager Martin Mould says Cambridge residents had made it very clear, improving the water quality of the lake was a top priority. “This is something that was considered extensively and addressed to a point in the draft concept plan. “For any significant improvement to the quality of the water

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however, we need to look at treating water before it goes into the lake. This is something we believe can be achieved through the use of raingardens and proprietary devices.” Raingardens are planted areas installed on the roadside to filter water runoff from the street before it enters the lake. Proprietary devices are fitted inside stormwater pipes to filter water as it passes through. Martin says one of the biggest sources of contamination in the lake is pollutants such as oil, petrol, zinc and rubber from cars that collect in rainwater and eventually make their way into the lake. “Once these pollutants reach the lake, they settle at the bottom creating layers of contaminated sludge. If we can ensure the water going into the lake is filtered of some of this, that should

Council water services manager Martin Mould by a stormwater outlet at Lake Te Koo Utu

make a difference to its quality. “While this isn’t a quick fix, it will help over time.” The three-stage programme would target the most critical areas first such as intersections, which are known to produce the highest contaminate loads, before looking to treat high use roads in stage two and low use roads in stage three. In stage one, a two-year project which was to begin this year, 12 raingardens would be retrofitted to the road system near high use intersections around the lake and three proprietary devices would be fitted into the existing stormwater outlets. A further 32 raingardens would then be installed in stage two and 66 in stage three of the plan on high use streets further away from the lake and reserve.

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A series of measures have been proposed to significantly improve the quality of the water at Lake Te Koo Utu in Cambridge.

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Whangarei’s water quality programmes

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A joint three-year programme which aims to improve water quality in four of Whangarei’s key urban river catchments is about to begin. The $500,000 ‘Whangarei Urban Awa’ project is a collaboration between the Northland Regional Council and the Ministry for the Environment targeting water quality in the Waiarohia, Lower Hatea, Kirikiri and Raumanga catchments. Councillor Jack Craw, who represents the council’s Whangarei Urban constituency, says the project aims to improve water quality through a combination of stock exclusion fencing, riparian planting and land management advice to eligible landowners. “Fencing stock out of waterways and planting riparian margins helps improve water quality by reducing potentially harmful nutrients and bacteria, while also cutting sediment from erosion caused by stock damage to stream banks.” Jack says, as part of the new project, eligible landowners will qualify for an 80 percent subsidy for the work required, provided they pay the remaining 20 percent upfront. The funding comes from

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Project lead Andy McCall at Whangarei’s Raumanga Falls, which flows into one of the four catchments at the heart of the new Whangarei Urban Awa programme.

the Government’s ‘Jobs for Nature’ funding package, so all the fencing and planting must be done by contractors. Andy McCall, who’s leading the Urban Awa project, says property eligibility will be determined according to existing land management practices, size, the length of riparian margin on the property and possibly slope. The new programme comes hard on the heels of a similar three-year and three-month long initiative targeting landowners with properties upstream of the iconic Whangarei Falls that came to a conclusion back in the end of September 2020. Thirty-nine landowners had been actively involved in the project, receiving more than $350,000 funding for combinations of fencing, troughs and/or planting. Andy says collectively there had been roughly 20 kilometres of streamside fencing completed, about 21,000 new plants in the ground and 41 stock troughs installed. Under the Government’s new stock exclusion rules, pigs must be fenced out of all permanent or intermittently flowing waterways wider than one metre on low slope land from July 2023. Similar fencing rules for cattle and deer will take effect from July 2025. The fencing must create at least a three-metre buffer strip between the top of the bank edge to the fence.

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WATER NEW ZEALAND TECHNICAL

The influence of urban surface type and characteristics on runoff water quality By Frances J. Charters, Thomas A. Cochrane, Aisling D. O’Sullivan, Department of Civil and Natural Resources Engineering, University of Canterbury The contribution of pollutants such as sediment and heavy metals to urban waterways from untreated impermeable surface runoff is a significant global issue, due to the potential ecological and public health implications. Sediment is considered a key stressor in the urban aquatic environment, with its combination of suspended effects (e.g. fish gill clogging, reduced clarity and light penetration for aquatic plant photosynthesis) and deposited effects (e.g. waterway bed smothering, loss of benthic habitat). Heavy metals cause both acute and chronic toxic effects on aquatic species, and also pose a public health risk from the bioaccumulation of metals in fish and shellfish gathered for human consumption. Better runoff quality management is needed to address these issues, but this requires a good understanding of what, where and how pollutants are being contributed from the run-off to the urban waterways. The typical urban catchment is a diverse array of impermeable surface types, and a clear understanding of the relative pollutant contributions from each surface type within a catchment is needed to enable prioritisation and selection of appropriate management approaches. Impermeable surface material, age and condition are known to be key drivers of urban runoff quality. Likewise, rainfall characteristics are also key drivers of pollutant buildup and wash-off processes from urban impermeable surfaces. Previous studies have assessed untreated runoff quality from roofs, roads or carpark surfaces, but generally focused on only a few sites within the same catchment or only one type of surface. Nevertheless, due to the variation in rainfall characteristics in different climatic areas, comparisons of surfaces’ runoff quality may not be valid, so it can be difficult to develop an accurate understanding of pollutant loads within a catchment from the diversity of urban surface types. Datasets of a wide range of common impermeable surface types within a single climatic location can help provide more accuracy of the relative water quality signatures from different surfaces as a function of their material, age and condition. As treatment technologies are designed to remove pollutants based on specific processes, it is important to characterise the pollutant form to ensure an appropriate treatment solution is selected. This can be especially important for pollutants such as heavy metals, which exist in both dissolved (i.e. < 0.45 μm) and particulate forms. Relative partitioning of metals in runoff has been found to vary across different urban surfaces. For example, precipitation processes, and to a lesser degree, sorption processes (whereby dissolved metals are transformed to particulate form) drive metals partitioning in road runoff, leading to lower percentage of dissolved metals than in roof runoff, where the majority of metals are in dissolved form. However, the majority of untreated runoff quality studies do not report on relative partitioning (i.e. they provide total metals concentrations only). Therefore having comparative partitioning data from a wide

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range of urban surfaces is valuable to guide the selection of appropriate treatment approaches. This paper addresses the need for surface-speciﬁc runoff quality data within a single climatic location to better understand the different run-off quality signatures produced from various impermeable surfaces.

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Methodology

Untreated runoff samples were collected from 19 different impermeable surfaces across three catchments within Christchurch for sediment and heavy metal analysis. This included nine roofs, six roads and four carparks. The number of events sampled for each surface type ranged from four to 14 with an average of seven events. Samples were analysed for total suspended solids (TSS), total copper (TCu) and total zinc (TZn), and dissolved copper (DCu) and dissolved zinc (DZn) concentrations. All collected samples were held at 4°C until analysis.

Comparative surface types across the three sampling programmes Within the 19 sites, three replicate surface types were sampled. This provided consistency of runoff quality from individual surfaces of the same surface type (and condition) in different geographical locations within the same climatic conditions in Christchurch. The sampling also enabled comparative pairs of new and old roof surfaces for two roof types: Colorsteel and uncoated galvanized roofs. Rainfall characteristics such as intensity and the length of the antecedent dry period are known to drive the build-up and wash-off of pollutants from impermeable surfaces. Accordingly, each sampled event was described by its average rainfall intensity, rainfall pH, event duration, length of antecedent dry period and total rainfall depth. Rainfall was collected and measured for pH during every sampled event.

Results

Zinc Uncoated galvanized roofs produced higher zinc concentrations than any other sampled surface. The uncoated galvanized roof sampled in the Addington catchment produced TZn concentrations up to 55mg/L, where the regional receiving environment water quality limit for zinc is 15 μg/L (i.e. the untreated runoff contained TZn levels over 1000 times greater than the guidelines). First ﬂush (FF) concentrations were substantially higher than second stage (SS) concentrations for all surfaces, except the two concrete roofs. An assessment of zinc concentrations across roof material types shows substantial differences if the material is uncoated or coated, or new or old. The 22-year-old Colorsteel ‘old’ roof had higher zinc concentrations than the new Colorsteel roof (FF range of 810–4500 μg/L compared to 270–1070 μg/L). Likewise, the older (>25 years) uncoated galvanized

roof (which was in poor weathered condition) had substantially higher zinc concentrations than the new uncoated galvanized roof (FF range of 11,700–56,000 μg/L compared to 410–12,600 μg/L). Nevertheless, the new galvanized roof still had zinc concentrations greater than those from painted (but not new) galvanized roofs (FF range of 410–12,600 μg/L compared to ranges of 980–4800 μg/L and 372–2369 μg/L for the Heathcote and Okeover painted galvanized roofs, respectively), demonstrating the effectiveness of providing a coating on galvanized zinc. Similarly, the older Colorsteel roof produced higher zinc concentrations than the painted galvanized roofs whose paint coating looked to have more recent maintenance that the old Colorsteel roof. This all reinforces that roof condition and age are key influences on metals concentrations. Comparison of the lowest-zinc-producing galvanized roof (i.e. the new Colorsteel roof) with the inert concrete roof, revealed that the Colorsteel roof still leached 20–30 times more zinc than an inert roof exposed only to atmospheric deposition of zinc (FF range of 270–1070 μg/L compared to 9–44 μg/L). Where some uncoated zinc guttering was present on an inert concrete roof, the zinc concentrations were over 10 times higher than the roof with no zinc materials (250–480 μg/L compared to 9–44 μg/L) and in a similar range to the painted galvanized roofs. These data highlight the effect of having even a proportion of the roof system in a zinc-based material (i.e. the main roof material was inert). Copper The copper roof produced the highest copper concentrations of all sampled surfaces and these were over an order of magnitude higher than the concentrations from next highest copper-contributing surfaces: carparks (both industrial and commercial) and higher trafficked roads. There was a clear distinction in copper concentrations based on traffic intensity, with higher concentrations seen from highertrafficked roads (major and minor arterial) in comparison to the lower trafficked roads (collector and local roads). Again, FF concentrations were substantially higher than SS concentrations for all surfaces. These comparative results indicate that dissolution processes produce more copper (per volume) (e.g. from

roof runoff) than particle entrainment or wash off processes (e.g. from road runoff). Total suspended solids Roads and carpark surfaces, regardless of traffic intensity or vehicle type, all produced higher TSS loads than the roof surfaces, with the sole exceptions of the two ‘old’ roofs. These two roofs showed high FF TSS concentrations but much lower SS concentrations. Carparks showed a greater variability in TSS concentration than road surfaces. There was a distinct difference between FF and SS concentrations at every sampled site: FF was substantially higher than SS concentrations and also tended to show greater variability than SS. The surfaces with the largest difference between average FF and average SS TSS concentrations were the old uncoated galvanized roof (SS average 0.7% of FF average), the copper roof (SS average 3% of FF average), the commercial carpark in Addington (SS average 11% of FF average), and the industrial manoeuvring carpark and new Colorsteel roof (both with SS average 15% of FF average). All surfaces had a SS average of less than 45 percent of the FF average, with the sole exception of the concrete roof with zinc guttering (SS average 51% of FF average). Industrial carparks produced more TSS than commercial carparks. Higher trafficked roads typically produced proportionally higher TSS than lower trafficked roads. The higher FF results indicate substantial contributions of TSS from dry weather deposition and build up (either via direct deposition on the surfaces or via atmospheric deposition). Runoff quality variation for the same surface type in different locations (spatial effects) The TZn and TSS concentrations for the two painted galvanized roofs were of similar scale for both FF and SS. However, a substantial difference in copper concentration was seen between the roofs, despite them being the same material type (and condition). The two collector roads had comparable TSS, TZn and TCu FF concentrations. The difference between the two commercial carpark sites were more pronounced, with a good similarity for TSS and FF TZn concentrations, but a substantial difference in TCu concentrations. MAY / JUNE 2021 WATER NEW ZEALAND

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Runoff quality variation for the same surface type of different condition (age effects) There were two pairs of roofs of the same material type but of different age. Nearly five times more zinc (both total and dissolved) was found in the runoff from the older 22-year-old Colorsteel roof compared to the lessthan-one-year-old Colorsteel roof in the Heathcote catchment. Five to six times more zinc (both total and dissolved) was found in the runoff from the more-than-25-year-old uncoated galvanized roof than the less-than-one-year-old uncoated galvanized roof runoff in the Addington catchment. For TSS and copper concentrations (likely contributed by atmospheric deposition), there was no relationship between roof age and pollutant concentrations for either the Colorsteel or uncoated galvanized roofs. Both pairs of roofs are in the same catchment, so any spatial effects such as rainfall are minimised in the comparison. An analysis of the events’ rainfall characteristics for each paired surface confirmed that ADD, average event intensity and duration were all very similar be-tween the new and old roof pairs. Inter-event variation in runoff quality Many surfaces had substantial variation in FF or SS concentrations across the sampled rain event, confirming rainfall characteristics are also driving the pollutant generation (e.g. length of antecedent dry period for UV and wind weathering) and mobilisation (e.g. entrainment of particles, contact time for dissolution) processes, along with surface material type and condition. The surfaces with the greatest inter-event variation in pollutant concentration generally correlated to the surface with the highest concentration for any given water quality parameter. For instance, the most substantial variation in TZn across multiple sampled rain events was seen in the old uncoated galvanized roof. TCu concentration varied substantially only for the copper roof, although some moderate variation was seen in the minor arterial roads, industrial manoeuvring carpark and one commercial carpark. Conversely, TSS from carparks and roads had much greater variation than any roof surface, with the exception of the two old roofs (uncoated galvanized and copper). Metals partitioning Understanding the relative proportion of metals partitioned into

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particulate or dissolved forms is important to ensure an appropriate treatment solution is selected, as the partitioning forms respond differently to pollutant removal processes. Zinc partitioning was strongly biased towards dissolved forms for the zinc-based roofs (all Zn concentrations were >80% dissolved), as could be expected due to dissolution processes being the main zinc generation process on those surfaces. A proportion of metals are assumed to be removed by proxy through sediment removal processes, due to the afﬁnity of metal to particles. However, because this data shows that zinc is preferentially in the dissolved rather than particulate form, minimal amounts of zinc are removed with sediments. This is further conﬁrmed by the highly variable relationship between TSS and dissolved zinc across the surface types. Even for the road and carpark surfaces, zinc was between 40 and 60 percent dissolved on average. Zinc partitioning between each paired surface type (commercial carpark, collector road and galvanized painted roof) was found to be very similar. Copper partitioning varied widely between road, carpark and roof sites, with a substantial spread also within the different roof categories (19–83%). Roads had a moderate range (21–62%), while carparks had the smallest range (34–55%) but only a small number of carpark sites were sampled in comparison to the other surfaces. Most surfaces have dissolved copper ranges between 40 and 60 percent (7 out of 19) or 30–70 percent (14 out of 19). These data highlight that careful consideration needs to be given in selecting treatment systems for managing copper as dissolved and particulate forms require different treatment processes for effective treatment. There was a substantial difference in the copper partitioning between each paired surface type (commercial carpark, collector road and galvanized painted roof).

Influence of material type and condition on pollutant concentrations Material type and its condition were seen to be major drivers of untreated runoff quality from impermeable surfaces in urban catchments. Older (over 20 years old), more weathered roof surfaces had ﬁve to six times higher Zn concentrations than new roofs (with higher FF TSS as further evidence of weathering).

However, painted galvanized roofs had FF Zn concentrations three to ﬁve times lower than the new uncoated galvanized roof; even though the uncoated roof was brand new, the lack of coating meant it leached more Zn than the older painted galvanized roofs. This reinforces the importance of adequate maintenance (such as a regular painting programme) for metallic roofs or selecting pre-coated materials to minimise the amount of metal pollutants generated in roof runoff. This applies not only to the main roof material, but also to associated gutters and downpipes, as high Zn concentrations were observed where uncoated zinc-based guttering was present on the concrete (non-metallic) roofs. Even a small amount of exposed galvanizing leached Zn concentrations equivalent to that of a full roof of coated zinc-based material. Furthermore, the new Colorsteel roof (factory coated) still produced Zn concentrations 25 times higher than the inert concrete roof (that also had inert guttering). While the focus for zinc-based roofs was to quantify the magnitude of zinc concentrations, the comparative concentrations of TSS and copper for the paired new and old roof surfaces indicate an inﬂuence of factors beyond rain-fall characteristics and surface material type driving the generation and subsequent mobilisation of these pollutants. As the sampled zinc-based roof surfaces do not contain any copper, the elevated copper concentrations measured were attributed

to atmospheric deposition, which can account for 10–100 percent of stormwater export loads. While some studies have found an increase in atmospherically deposited copper where traffic congestion is present, a Christchurch study found relatively homogeneous copper loadings from atmospheric deposition across three sites of varying traffic characteristics. For pollutants in road and carpark runoff, traffic conditions such as the presence of heavy vehicles (with larger brake pads as a source of copper and increased tyre wear as a source of zinc), braking and manoeuvring associated with intersections and traffic volume are also important factors. Accordingly, higher trafficked roads and all the carparks produced zinc concentrations comparable with the painted galvanized and old Colorsteel roofs, while the lower trafficked roads produced zinc levels comparable with the new Colorsteel and zinc-guttered concrete roof. There was a step change in TSS and copper concentrations from lower trafficked roads. TSS and copper generally increased at the carpark sites from commercial sites to industrial sites with heavy vehicle manoeuvring. However, there was a more pronounced difference in copper concentrations between the two commercial carpark sites. This is considered to be likely due to increased direct deposition of copper from a greater presence of heavy vehicles at the Heathcote site, compared to the Addington site.

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Conclusions

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The untreated runoff quality sampling programmes have produced a comparative dataset of eight different roof types, four road types and three carpark types, all within the same geographical area. Substantial differences in pollutant concentrations were found between the different surface types, regardless of the surrounding land use. The highest zinc producing surfaces are uncoated zinc-based roofs, with observed concentrations several orders of magnitude higher than local instream water quality guideline values for zinc. Any treatment approach on zinc-based roof surfaces needs to account for a majority of the zinc being in dissolved form; a wide range in zinc concentrations across multiple rain events; that even small areas of uncoated zinc (e.g. guttering only) can elevate zinc concentrations above that of coated zinc roofs; that even new, but uncoated, zincbased roofs have zinc concentrations greater than older coated roofs; and any zinc-based roof surfaces, even if brand new and coated, leach high zinc levels. Higher traffic roads zinc levels are comparable to older coated zincbased roofs, while lower trafficked roads are comparable to new coated zinc-based roofs. If copper roofs are present in a catchment, these need to be prioritised for runoff management to reduce ecotoxic effects from copper, followed by higher trafficked roads and any carparks. Higher trafficked roads and carparks with heavy vehicle traffic were the highest producers of TSS. Even though FF concentrations were consistently higher than SS concentrations, SS concentrations were still substantially elevated above receiving environment guidelines, suggesting that a focus on FF treatment only may not achieve pollution reduction goals. To further enhance the knowledge gained from this dataset, additional sampling of the same surface types in a different geographical location would provide a valuable comparison between the influence of climate and the influence of surface type on the resultant runoff quality. Knowledge of the relative influence of factors such as climatic conditions, surrounding land use, surface type, surface material and surface condition allows more targeted stormwater management planning. It also enables more appropriate design of treatment systems, ensuring that the systems incorporate treatment processes that match the pollutant characteristics. • This article is an abridged version. The full paper, complete with references, can be found at bit.ly/32BAYhs.

Valves lic au

The old uncoated galvanized roof produced FF zinc concentrations of up to 56,000 μg/L, higher than anything previously reported in literature. Current assumptions of zinc concentrations in roof runoff may be substantially underestimating the amount of zinc being contributed to urban waterways from these types of surfaces, and suggests that more urgent action is needed to address such sources of ecotoxic zinc in our urban environments. Any treatment system also needs to account for the vast majority of that zinc being in dissolved forms, which are more difficult to remove. The copper roof produced FF and SS copper concentrations orders of magnitude higher than any other surface. If copper roofs are present in a catchment, these need to be prioritised for runoff management. Copper is the most ecotoxic heavy metal in urban environments as it can be very toxic at concentrations only marginally above what is required for growth and reproduction. While modern copper roofs are typically reserved for bespoke architectural features, there is a historic legacy of copper roofs in many old city centres around the world. As seen with the concrete roof with zinc guttering, even limited copper features on a roof (e.g. guttering, decorative sheeting) could contribute a substantial amount of copper into roof runoff. Of second priority for copper management are higher trafficked roads and any carparks. Like TSS, the copper concentrations from these surfaces did not substantially differ from FF to SS, indicating that the treatment approach for copper management in runoff from these surface types should incorporate flows throughout the runoff event. Copper from these surfaces is also a mix of particulate and dissolved form, with substantial variation between sites of the same type and function. Therefore effective management would require a combination of treatment processes that can address both forms. Likewise, the proportion of zinc in dissolved form varied widely for road and carpark surfaces, indicating that both dissolved and particulate forms need to be considered when treating zinc pollution from these surfaces if a reasonable zinc reduction is to be achieved. Variation in untreated runoff quality is a key factor in the ability of any stormwater treatment system to achieve its design treatment performance. The substantial variation seen in the surfaces with the corresponding highest loads for TSS, total copper or total zinc suggest that designing a system with an ability to treat a wide range of influent concentrations is necessary to achieve the intended pollutant reduction. Avoiding the use of metal materials is the optimal approach to reducing heavy metal pollution of urban waterways. This highlights the source reduction role that strong policy can contribute to prevent generation of such pollutants in the first place. For example, policy could require selecting non-metallic roof surfaces or coating and frequent maintenance of metal roofs. In the case of road and carparks, policy can require non‑copper brakepads and maintenance of adequate tyre tread that reduces the amount of zinc derived from vehicle tyre wear. When avoiding metal components is not possible, at-source metal treatment is the next best option. For roofs, the treatment system needs to focus on removing dissolved metals (e.g. enhanced media in bioretention or proprietary systems). For roads and carparks, the treatment system needs to address both particulate and dissolved metals. This could include on-site infiltration

systems where runoff is treated at the source before being conveyed to the local receiving waterway. At source management should be prioritised rather than allow run-off from different surface types to mix as they have different water quality signatures and treatment needs. Much like dealing with combined sewer systems, allowing runoff to combine can end up with a large volume with diluted amounts of many different pollutants. In comparison, targeted at source treatment may limit the range of pollutants to be dealt in by a particular treatment system and could also expect to achieve higher removal rates with more concentrated pollutants. Overall, these ﬁndings reinforce the need for a treatment train approach which provides a sequence of targeted pollutant removal processes that can address the variety of pollutant types and forms observed in this data (particularly particulate and dissolved metals).

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To design the smart water management platform, YEEC and SIDRI integrated BIM (building management software) solutions with Bentley’s engineering management software into the project, from design to construction. The team’s design also called for Internet of Things (IoT) devices and systems that could continually monitor factories, water network, rivers, lakes, and banks to analyse the local environment, helping managers make decisions and prevent disasters. The applications were used to monitor pollution and water capacity, and help detect and resolve clashes among the different design specialties. Using Bentley’s reality modelling software ContextCapture, YEEC and SIDRI replaced their GIS 2D map of the large project area and new sewage plant with a 3D digital model. Unmanned aerial vehicles allowed the organisations to fully map the surroundings and produce a reality mesh, and create a model that was accurate to within 30mm. The model also included water machinery, water supply, and drainage. Lastly, the project team created an open, connected data environment so that the multidiscipline specialists could collaborate and resolve conflicts in their individual designs.

Edit ion 29

Yangtze Ecology and Environment Co (YEEC), a subsidiary of China Three Gorges Corporation, was formed to address pollution issues along the Yangtze River, the longest river in Asia and a major driver of China’s economy and culture. The company, along with Shanghai Investigation, Design & Research Institute (SIDRI), an engineering procurement construction contractor, was tasked with building a smart water management platform along the Yangtze, with an emphasis on protecting the environment. Jiujiang, a growing city of 4.7 million people in the northwest Jiangxi province of China, became the pilot city for the Yangtze development. The city faced numerous issues, including water that frequently overflowed into the downtown area from the river and backups in the sewage network. To address the issues, the China Wisdom Engineering Association initiated a CNY 7.7 billion programme to develop a comprehensive smart water management system that included a new sewage plant, pump gates, pipe networks, and other projects that would recover water for consumption and support the regulation and ecological restoration of the Yangtze River. The wide scope and complex nature of the project, which covered an area of 220 square kilometres, required a project team of more than 100 disciplines.

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To enhance their ongoing digital efforts, the organisations published their BIM design using iModels and uploaded it to iModelHub, which allows team members to share data over the web and work from off-site locations. YEEC and SIDRI also incorporated IoT capabilities and smart water management into the reality model to unify management, integration, and to display multidimensional and multi-aspect information. Within the digital model, a hydraulic model was created that predicts water volume and rainwater inflow to visualise areas that are at risk of flooding. The detailed model also gathers water data along the Yangtze River Basin; monitors the water cycle of evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection; and keeps the public informed of how important it is to have a clean water source.

ContextCapture was used to create a digital construction of the geography and facilities in the area to implement smart water management, resulting in significantly improved water flows in downtown Jiujiang. Reviews within the digital environment using Navigator improved the quality of the model and reduced the risk of the team transferring errors to each new iteration. Additionally, the 3D model helped pinpoint errors, omissions, and clashes that were in the initial 2D designs. The connected data environment reduced design errors by 80 percent, lowered design and verification by 800 resource hours, and saved CNY 4 million. The organisations fully incorporated their smart water management programme within BIM and GIS technology. The system includes underground network management, rainfall intensity prediction, sewage system monitoring, and data mining and analysis, which allows workers to adjust water pumps and maintain water levels in varying conditions. With BIM-enabled data flow, the organisations effectively managed all construction stages, enhanced construction quality, reduced costs by 20 percent, and shortened the construction period by four months.

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Providing water for conflict victims In 2015, the conflict between the Government of Yemen, supported by a coalition of Gulf countries led by Saudi Arabia, began hostilities against the Houthi rebels, known as the Ansar-Allah movement. Oxfam reports on the impact this had on communities. After six years marked by economic decline, food insecurity, and the collapse of essential public services, civilians like Samiha and Fatima continue to feel the worst of the crisis. Samiha Ali collects water from a tap pumped from Oxfam’s desalination plant. Amina fled with her children when the conflict reached the Tahiz region and now lives in the Al Bearrayer Camp – home to nearly 1000 people. “We were begging for food in the local markets or from the restaurants and eating from there until the organisations supported us,” says Samiha. “If we have no water we die. Where will we go if we have no water and no food? We are done. We will die.” According to the United Nations, more than 24 million Yemenis urgently need humanitarian aid, which is equivalent to about 80 percent of the country’s population. According to the widely respected Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project (ACLED), the number of fatalities from the war passed the 100,000 mark in November 2019. Shockingly this includes 12,000 civilians killed in targeted attacks, while the humanitarian toll has seen thousands more die from starvation and cholera alone. Before the war, Yemen imported around 90 percent of its food and most of its fuel. Markets, farms and water sources have been consistently shelled or bombed while sea, land and air restrictions have stopped imports entering the country. Because of this, the price of imports and processed goods have increased to reach prohibitive prices for a large part of the population. The cost of water for hygiene, cooking and drinking has doubled. Many families are reducing their diet to one meal a day and many others use non-potable water, despite the risks to their health. Nahed and her sisters have been living off of the small income their mother Fatima is able to make from fishing, rising at three o’clock each morning to make enough money to purchase clean water for her family.

Samiha with Oxfam workers. “We were begging for food in the local markets or from the restaurants and eating from there until the organisations supported us,” says Samiha.

Many people have been drinking the seawater and what groundwater that is available is too salty. Only 50 percent of health centres are operational, and those that are open struggle for supplies and personnel. Cholera remains a significant challenge, with several outbreaks since 2016 taking thousands of lives. The transmission of cholera is directly linked with poor hygiene and access to water. Oxfam has been working in Yemen for 30 years, but increased its efforts significantly to provide clean water and sanitation to combat these deadly outbreaks. In early 2019 Oxfam installed a prototype solar-powered desalination plant, that is less susceptible to the ongoing attacks on water truck convoys that disrupts the crucial supply of clean water. Since then, Oxfam has scaled up and installed another desalination plant in the Khor Omeira region to provide people like Fatima and her daughters with drinkable water, so they won’t have to drink the sea or groundwater. Thanks to the generosity of Oxfam’s supporters, Oxfam has installed three water supply systems that work with solar panels which has halved the cost of water delivery compared with traditional trucking methods. Oxfam is now working to extend the plants’ reach through pumping water to more communities. In the wake of conflicts or natural disasters, Oxfam responds as one of the world’s leading providers of humanitarian aid in emergencies with established expertise in clean water, sanitation, public health, food security, and the protection of civilians. To support Oxfam New Zealand’s Disaster Response, please visit: www.oxfam.org.nz/donate/disaster-response/.

17/12/2020 4:22:02 PM

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What exactly is a wetland? Exploring the guidance provided by the Ministry for the Environment on what is and what is not a wetland, and how the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPSFM2020), the National Environmental Standards for Freshwater (NES Freshwater), and the Resource Management (Stock Exclusion) Regulations 2020 (Stock Exclusion Regulations) interact around areas of (debatable) wetland. Plus, a brief update on where things are at in the legislative programme as it pertains to water services.

By Helen Atkins, director and Tom Gray, solicitor, Atkins Holm Majurey. Surely a wetland is an area of land that is… wet? Unsurprisingly, in the complex world of resource management, such a question is never as simple as it seems. The NPSFM2020 includes the following definitions: Natural wetland means a wetland (as defined in the Act) that is not: a. A wetland constructed by artificial means (unless it was constructed to offset impacts on, or restore, an existing or former natural wetland); or b. A geothermal wetland; or c. Any area of improved pasture that, at the commencement date, is dominated by (that is more than 50 percent of) exotic pasture species and is subject to temporary rain-derived water pooling. Natural inland wetland means a natural wetland that is not in the coastal marine area. The NES Freshwater includes the definition of ‘natural wetland’ as follows: Natural wetland has the meaning given by the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management. To complicate matters further, the Resource Management Act 1991 says: ‘Wetland includes permanently or intermittently wet areas, shallow water, and land water margins that support a natural ecosystem of plants and animals that are adapted to wet conditions.’ Confusion arose during the course of a hearing on the Northland Regional Plan relating to mangroves, where counsel for the Bay of Islands Maritime Park raised the potential for the NES Freshwater to cover areas of the Coastal Marine Area (CMA). This potential arises because the definition in the NES Freshwater does not appear to clearly stipulate whether it includes the ‘natural inland wetland’ exclusion of the CMA contained in the NPSFM2020. The Environment Court produced a declaration considering these matters (Bay of Islands Maritime Park Incorporated v Northland Regional Council [2021] NZEnvC 006). The Environment Court held: • That the NES Freshwater only applies to the CMA upstream of the ‘river mouth’ as defined in the Act;

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•T hat the NES Freshwater does not apply to the general CMA, open oceans, estuaries, bays and other areas not falling within the definition of ‘river or connected area’ (as defined in the NES Freshwater); and •T hat for those areas of the CMA that are covered within the definition of ‘rivers or connected areas’ where the NES Freshwater does apply, the NES Freshwater will need to be considered. Following this declaration the Ministry for the Environment issued draft guidance on what constitutes a wetland. The guidance is designed to provide clarification on the definitions of ‘natural wetlands’ and ‘natural inland wetlands’ in these documents, and provide clarity for the Stock Exclusion Regulations that also uses the term ‘natural wetland’. The guidance states that the definition of ‘natural wetland’ in the NES Freshwater was intended to capture coastal wetlands within the CMA. This is diametrically different from the Environment Court’s conclusion. Accordingly, the Crown has appealed the Environment Court’s decision to the High Court. This proceeding has not yet been heard. In their guidance document the Ministry maintains that, pending this decision, the NES Freshwater’s jurisdiction does not extend to the CMA other than upstream of a river mouth. In its guidance document the Ministry provides further direction regarding wetlands, noting that: •A n artificially constructed wetland does not come under the definition of ‘natural wetland’; •W etlands that have been unintentionally induced through man-made activities (‘induced wetlands’) are captured by the definition of ‘natural wetland’; •W hether a wetland comprises lakes and/or rivers must be assessed on a case-by-case basis using an ecological assessment where necessary to distinguish wetlands and other waterbodies; •G eothermal wetlands are not considered to be ‘natural wetlands’; and •T here is not a minimum size of wetland that is subject to the NPSFM2020 and NES Freshwater, which apply to all areas that meet the definitions of ‘natural wetland’ and ‘natural inland wetland’. Legislative programme – The Water Services Bill As noted in previous articles, this Bill is at the Select Committee stage and the it is due to report back on June 8. The Government’s plan is to have the legislation in place by July 1. Water New Zealand along with many others have presented its submission to the Select Committee and now we await the outcome. It is very likely the Bill will pass without significant changes as the general tenor of submissions were in support of the Bill and the focus was largely on matters that were intended to improve the Bill’s workability. Future articles will explore the Bill in more detail once we have a clearer idea of where the Select Committee has landed.

Local Government (Three Waters Reform) Amendment Bill In our article in the previous edition, we noted the changes to the way in which water services would be delivered in general terms. At this point in time the Minister of Local Government has not yet introduced the above Bill but it is understood it is still intended to be in force by November 1, 2021. The Bill is largely to enable new water entities to be put in place without the various hurdles that currently exist to the divesting of ownership of and control over, water infrastructure assets and services. The Government is clear that this is not a precursor to private ownership of those assets and services. The various milestones that have been announced are (noting there is already slippage): • 2021: A national public information and education campaign will run throughout the year; • March 2021: Further engagement with local government and Māori; • April/May 2021: Substantive policy decisions to enable drafting instructions to be issued, including decisions on the core design features, the number, and the boundaries of the new water services entities and system; • Late 2021: Councils asked to participate in the new systems and entities; • Late 2021: Introduction of legislation to create the new service delivery system with enactment by mid-2022; • 2022/23: Transition, entity establishment, and implementation of the new service delivery system. We will continue to keep you up to date on progress and will also look to highlight particular topical issues as they arise. This article was written with the assistance of Nicole Buxeda, senior solicitor, Atkins Holm Majurey

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Water May/June 2021

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