By Times Team
Copyright times
Local residents are being given the chance to have a rare behind-the-scenes look at the new Beachlands Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Watercare is inviting east Aucklanders to step behind the gates and explore the plant at a free public open day from 10am to 2pm on Saturday, October 18.
People who go along will have the chance to tour the plant, learn about the wastewater treatment process, and discover how Watercare is planning for future growth in the area.
Watercare southern wastewater production manager Rohan Bhatia says the open day comes at a pivotal time for the region, which is undergoing steady urban development under the Auckland Unitary Plan.
“The open day is a great opportunity for locals to gain a better understanding of their current infrastructure, learn about the challenges we’re facing, and see what we’re doing behind the scenes to plan for the future.
“It builds on our ongoing efforts to actively engage with the community to discuss future wastewater servicing options for the area.
“It’s also a great opportunity to be among the first Aucklanders to experience our new ‘Wonder Wai’ travelling discovery centre.
“Wonder Wai takes you on a journey through the water cycle, from sky to sea, with lots of touchscreen games and augmented reality experiences that really bring it to life.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming people to the plant and continuing the conversation about the future of wastewater services in the region.”
The Beachlands Wastewater Treatment Plant is at 100 Okaroro Drive. Free barista coffee will be available at the public event.
Every day, Watercare supplies about 440 million litres of safe drinking water to 1.7 million people in Auckland and also collects and treat their wastewater.
Over the next 10 years, it will carry out more than 1000 projects to improve and expand its water and wastewater infrastructure, investing an average of $3.8 million every day, or $13.8 billion in total.
Its infrastructure investment programme will help to keep the city’s precious environment healthy by reducing the frequency of wastewater overflows onto land and into waterways.
