The Morton Dam, out of service since 1988, is being reconsidered for potential reactivation.
Wellington Water is considering reactivating a decommissioned 113-year-old dam to bolster future water supply. Morton Dam, constructed between 1908 and 1911 in Lower Hutt’s suburb of Wainuiomata, ceased operations in 1988. Heritage New Zealand suggested listing it as a Category B heritage site in March 2024, but this was paused upon discovering Wellington Water’s contemplation of reinstating the dam.
According to Wellington Water, a recent “comprehensive water supply strategy update” explored long-term supply and demand options beyond the next decade. One of these options involves recommissioning Morton Dam to address the needs of a growing population. However, further investigations are necessary, with plans for exploration in the coming years.
Wellington Water anticipates that it will be at least a decade before any decisions are made regarding the dam’s reactivation, and the cost of this endeavor remains uncertain. The water provider emphasizes the importance of considering future demand alongside advising councils on long-term planning.
In the draft long-term plan of Hutt City Council, $1.5 billion is allocated for drinking, storm, and wastewater infrastructure over the next decade.
