AITUTAKI WATER PROJECT 2024-2027

“the project will improve the supply of water for the island’s residents and visitors in the medium term, whilst seeking longer-term solutions. 

The project will be in Aitutaki. 

It is envisaged that the project will improve the supply of water for the island’s residents and visitors in the medium term, whilst commencing assessment of a longer-term solution. 

The project will focus on an upgrade of water galleries, repair storage tanks, enable work to replace standardised piped network with the initial focus the network from the galleries to the storage tanks, as well as improvement to the control valves within the network. 

Furthermore, the project will improve water harvesting capacities at the household and community levels.

We will enhance management of the Aitutaki water supply.

The Project will undertake a feasibility study for desalination in Aitutaki.

  • INSTALL SOLAR WATER PUMPS

    Install new submersible stainless steel helical rotor pump systems to extend pump life in the saline conditions.

    Each pump system will be powered with a 3kW solar array to pump during daylight hours and single-phase power pack if nighttime pumping is required. 

    The pumps have complete speed control allowing pumping rates to be varied depending on gallery production. 

    All pumps can be remotely monitored and controlled giving usable data to ICI and Aitutaki Water Supply [AWS].

  • UPGRADE GALLERIES

    Upgrade 6 underground water collection galleries – Vaipae X 2, Vaimaru, Vaitekea, Tautu, Pukoe

    Evaluate options for additional galleries at Orongo Park, Arutanga and the old airstrip.

    Install new water meters connected to all pumps and storage tanks.  This will provide actual data on pumped volumes and enable integrity checks of the lines from the pumps to the tanks.

  • INCREASE STORAGE

    Upgrade elevated storage tanks for Vaipae, Tautu, and Takapora.

    Improve household rainwater harvesting systems by installing 480 X 6000 litres water tanks, including tank base and accessories.   

    Accessories include rooftop gutters and downpipes.

    Improvement of community rainwater harvesting by constructing 8 X 20,000 litre concrete water tanks to install at community shared facilities at SDA Vaipae Church, Vaipeka Community Hall, SDA Amuri Church, Arutanga Community Hall, Tautu Community Hall, Ureia Community Hall, Piraki Heights, SDA Arutanga Church.