Upgrade of Luggate's drinking water supply brought forward

Work to upgrade the supply and treatment of Luggate’s drinking water is now underway and will provide access to a new water source through two new bores, a new water storage facility, and a new ultraviolet (UV) treatment plant for the township.

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) General Manager Property & Infrastructure, Tony Avery said the upgrades were initially set for 2028, but it made sense to accelerate delivery of the new infrastructure when introducing a protozoa barrier (UV disinfection) for the township this year.

“The new treatment plant will ensure drinking water in Luggate remains safe and achieves compliance, and new bores will help to provide enough water to meet the needs of this growing community,” said Mr Avery.

“The project also includes development of a new long-term reservoir site up by Wānaka Airport, which will eventually include significantly increased storage capacity as part of future investment in the area.”

As with any construction project, some disruptions should be expected around Luggate while work is undertaken. This will include temporary traffic management, construction machinery movements, and may also involve additional noise and vibrations in the area.

The northbound lane on Church Street will be closed 24 hours a day for approximately four weeks starting from Monday 1 September, so crews can excavate and trench for the installation of new water supply pipes in the area.

Resident access for properties on Church Street near SH6 will be maintained, and a detour for all other northbound traffic will be in place using Shortcut Road.

The protozoa barrier (UV disinfection) is expected to be operating in time for Christmas this year, and all remaining work completed by February 2026.

The contract for this work was awarded to Fulton Hogan.

More information on the Luggate water supply upgrades: www.qldc.govt.nz/luggate-water-upgrades