The replacement work will affect 19 properties. PHOTO/STOCK.ADOBE.COM
A water main renewal in Featherston has fallen short of welding standards.
The contractor responsible has been asked to replace all connections relating to failed quality testing at its own cost.
In September last year, Construction Contracts Limited began a five-week programme of works to renew the water main on Fox St in Featherston.
A Wellington Water report to South Wairarapa District Council’s assets and services committee said when installing the new Fox St water main, quality assurance testing determined that some weld samples taken for destructive testing did not pass.
“The contractor has undertaken a thorough review of their methodology and equipment with the oversight and input of an independent pipe materials specialist,” the Wellington Water report said.
“The contractor has revised their methodology, and further off-site testing of the welds undertaken using the revised methodology confirms that the contractor is now achieving the required welding standard.
“The decision has been made between Wellington Water and the contractor that all the saddle connections related to the failed quality testing need to be replaced to ensure the quality of the pipeline and reduce the risks of issues over the 100-year life of the pipeline.”
The saddle connections replacements are planned over the coming few weeks using the revised methodology.
This work will directly affect 19 properties with temporary water shutdowns.
Once this is complete and final reinstatement undertaken, the works on Fox St will be complete.
The cost of the required additional work being carried out will be covered by the contractor with no additional cost to ratepayers. — NZLDR
