Extending the Life of a Critical Community Water Asset
The Mataura Water Treatment Plant had supplied drinking water to the community since 1963, with much of its infrastructure and equipment approaching the end of its operational life. Gore District Council required a practical upgrade solution that would maintain compliance, improve reliability and extend the life of the existing facility while future regional water supply options were evaluated.
FILTEC delivered a comprehensive brownfield refurbishment incorporating filtration, mechanical, electrical and automation upgrades. The project modernised critical plant infrastructure while maintaining uninterrupted drinking water supply throughout construction.
Upgrading a Live Plant Without Interrupting Supply
Unlike greenfield projects, the Mataura upgrade required major refurbishment works to be completed within an operational drinking water treatment plant serving the local community. The project required:
Continuous water supply during construction
Integration with ageing infrastructure
Staged shutdowns and tie-ins
Drinking water compliance
Safe management of site hazards
Work sequencing remained highly dependent on plant operating conditions and available source water capacity throughout the programme.
GAC Filtration and Process Infrastructure Upgrades
FILTEC delivered upgrades across multiple treatment process areas to improve reliability and extend asset life. Key works included:
Triton stainless-steel underdrain system
Filter floor and media retention upgrades
Air scour integration
Mechanical equipment upgrades
New switchboard and electrical systems
Process control upgrades
The works modernised critical treatment infrastructure while integrating with existing plant operations.
Brownfield Delivery in an Operational Environment
Construction was undertaken within a fully operational treatment plant, requiring close coordination with Gore District Council operators and Beca.
Detailed shutdown and isolation planning
Integration with legacy pipework and assets
Stakeholder coordination
Flexible programme sequencing
Local subcontractor engagement
Extended dry weather delayed access to key treatment assets, requiring work fronts to be resequenced while maintaining programme progress.
Managing Risk, Quality and Plant Performance
The project involved several high-risk work areas requiring specialist management and careful quality control.
Chemical residue neutralisation works
Asbestos identification and removal
Hold-point inspections and approvals
Performance verification testing
Operator training and handover
Regular inspections and collaborative planning ensured upgrade works met operational, safety and quality expectations before returning assets to service.
A Modernised Water Treatment Plant for Mataura
The upgraded Mataura Water Treatment Plant now provides:
Extended operational asset life
Improved treatment reliability
Modern electrical and control systems
Enhanced filtration infrastructure
Continued drinking water compliance
By successfully delivering complex upgrades within a live treatment plant, FILTEC helped Gore District Council modernise a critical community asset while maintaining uninterrupted supply and supporting long-term operational resilience.
