Most of Napier’s homes and businesses (93%) send their wastewater to the Awatoto Wastewater Treatment Plant. From there, wastewater is treated using a two-stage process and then is discharged 1.6km offshore into Hawke Bay through a large concrete pipe, called the outfall pipe.

The current pipe was built in 1973 and is now nearing the end of its life. Over the years it has needed major repairs (1984, 2012 and 2020) to fix leaks and damaged parts. Each repair is costly, complex and disruptive because the treatment plant must be shut down while the pipe is fixed.

We are now planning for the replacement of the outfall pipe, with the goal of having a new one in operation by 2029.

Why do we need to replace the outfall?

• The existing pipe is old and at higher risk of failure.
• Repairs are expensive and disruptive.
• The pipe is restricted to operating at 1,200L/s (below its 1,400L/s consented capacity) to avoid over-pressurising joints.
• During heavy rain, this reduced flow creates bottlenecks in Napier’s wastewater network, and emergency storage must be used to manage peak flows.

What the new pipe will mean for Napier?

• A more reliable wastewater system for our city.
• Less risk of overflows during wet weather.
• Infrastructure that is safer, stronger and fit for the future and environment.