Watercare has commenced a six-month flood recovery project to permanently reconnect over 500 homes to the wastewater network on Auckland’s North Shore.

Last year’s Auckland Anniversary Flood caused significant damage, with landslips destroying essential infrastructure.

The initiative, starting this month, aims to replace nine temporary bypasses installed after the flooding.

"These bypasses have played a crucial role in maintaining wastewater services for homes and businesses," said Suzanne Lucas, Watercare’s General Manager of Asset Upgrades and Renewals.

She praised the ground crews for their maintenance work, ensuring continued service despite the temporary measures.

The first phase of the project will focus on reconnecting infrastructure serving 182 households on Emlyn Place, Torbay, and Braemar Road, Castor Bay.

"We will use horizontal directional drilling to install wastewater pipes underground, protecting them from future slips and flooding," Lucas explained. This method minimises soil disturbance and environmental impact.

Additionally, crews will hand dig lateral connections to properties on Emlyn Place and Braemar Road.

"Once the pipeline and lateral connections are installed, our crews will reroute the wastewater flow to optimise the new and existing network," Lucas noted.

After completing these areas, Watercare will address similar repairs on Dalmeny Close and Bellbird Rise in Murray’s Bay, and Lynn Road in Bayview, reconnecting another 321 households.

Traffic management will be implemented to facilitate the setup for drilling and transportation of materials.

"Work will be conducted between 7:30 am and 5 pm, Monday to Friday, to minimise noise disruption. We will notify residents if work extends beyond these hours," Lucas stated.

All repairs are expected to be completed by the end of January.