Article written by: Alana Bowmar – Service Leader, Civil and Water Engineering
As communities grow, so too must the infrastructure that supports them. At Nikau Heights in Masterton, Vitruvius is delivering a reservoir renewal project designed to strengthen network resilience, increase storage capacity, and support future development in Masterton. Following the completion of the detailed design stage, Vitruvius is now providing Engineer to the Contract (EtC) and monitoring, surveillance, quality assurance (MSQA) services during delivery of the works.
The project involves replacing two ageing 250 kL timber reservoirs that have reached the end of their service life and remain vulnerable to seismic events. These will be upgraded to two 500 kL galvanised steel-lined reservoirs, doubling treated water storage capacity and enabling the network to service both existing demand and planned growth, including two new residential zones in the area.
Vitruvius has led the project from early planning through to detailed design, procurement support, and construction phase services, taking a whole-of-network approach. This included network investigations and reservoir sizing, supported by hydraulic analysis of the Titoki Street pump station and rising main. Careful attention was given to inlet and outlet hydraulics and the successful integration of the upgraded reservoirs within the existing network.
The detailed design package brought together civil, mechanical, pipework, valve, instrumentation, and control systems into a coordinated and constructible solution. This ensured the upgraded infrastructure not only met current performance requirements but also provided a robust platform for future operation and monitoring.
A key challenge on the project was working within the constraints of the existing valve chamber. Integrating new inlet and outlet isolation valves, flow metering, and associated ancillaries required careful spatial coordination and design efficiency. The solution balanced constructability, operational access, and long-term performance, all within a confined footprint.
As the project progresses through construction, Vitruvius is continuing to provide technical oversight and quality assurance to support successful delivery. Maintaining continuity from concept through to construction has enabled design intent to be carried through into the field, helping manage risks, resolve construction challenges efficiently, and deliver a high-quality outcome for MDC and the wider community.
This project highlights the impact of a considered, end-to-end approach in delivering infrastructure that is practical, resilient, and well integrated into the existing network.
Client: Masterton District Council
Asset Owner: Masterton District Council
When: 2025 – Current
Vitruvius Scope: Optioneering, Concept & Detailed Design, Hydraulic Modelling, Tender Documentation & Procurement, MSQA, EtC.
