A timeline of key infrastructural developments in Wellington’s water supply, highlighting significant projects and milestones over the years.
19th Century Developments
- 1865 – Wellington becomes the capital of New Zealand on the 26 July.
- 1870 – Wellington achieves Municipal Borough status on the 16 October.
- 1871 – The Wellington City Council established a permanent Waterworks Committee.
- 1872 – The Municipal Corporations Waterworks Act is passed.
- 1874 – The first major public water supply is commissioned for Karori.
- 1878 – Construction of the Lower Karori Dam began in 1872 and was completed by January 1878
- 1878 – The Wainuiomata water supply scheme is initiated.
- 1880 – The old dam (Lower Dam) was completed.
- 1884 – The Wainuiomata water supply scheme was completed and water was piped to Wellington.
20th Century Developments
- 1901 – The Wainuiomata water race was replaced with a 750mm cast iron pipeline.
- 1902 – The Meter House was constructed to accommodate a Venturi meter, ensuring accurate measurement and regulation of water flow.
- 1904 – W.H. Morton was appointed City Engineer, a position he held until 1923.
- 1908 – Proposals for a new dam at Wainuiomata are considered.
- 1910 – Brooklyn Reservoir is completed.
- 1911 – Completion of the Morton Dam.
- 1921 – Lower Hutt City establishes its first reticulated water supply.
- 1924 – The Pipe Bridge is completed.
- 1926 – The Upper Karori Reservoir is completed.
- 1935 – A 600mm cast iron trunk main from Waiwhetu to Wellington is brought into service.
- 1944 – Morton recommends the Orongorongo water scheme.
- 1948 – Completion of the Orongorongo Tunnel.
- 1952 – The Orongorongo water scheme is completed.
- 1954 – The Wellington City and Suburban Water Supply Bill is introduced.
- 1954 – Hutt Estuary Bridge is completed, and the old Pipe Bridge is demolished.
- 1955 – The first meeting of the Wellington City and Suburban Water Supply Board is held.
- 1957 – G.A. Hart (C.E.) recommends the Hutt River scheme.
- 1957 – Kaitoke water scheme is completed.
- 1959 – Upper Hutt’s Birchville Dam is built.
- 1959 – The Hutt Valley Underground Water Authority is established.
- 1962 – Petone and Lower Hutt withdraw from the Water Board.
- 1962 – Boxing Day Storm causes damage to Wainuiomata water supply.
- 1962 – Waiwhetū-Wellington pipeline was constructed.
- 1964 – Fluoridation and chlorination of Water Board supplies begin.
- 1965 – The Gear Island Pumping Station is commissioned.
- 1967 – The National Water and Soil Conservation Authority is established.
- 1968 – The new auxiliary main at Karori is completed.
- 1968 – A microstrainer is installed at Wainuiomata.
- 1969 – Surveys of the Whakatikei and Akatarawa areas begin.
- 1971 – Haywards Booster Pumping Station is completed.
- 1972 – The Hutt River Development Report by K.E. Luke is published.
- 1972 – The Waikanae-Paraparaumu water scheme is completed.
- 1972 – The Wellington Regional Water Board began operations.
- 1974 – The Long Gully scheme begins operation.
- 1977 – The Hutt River scheme is initiated.
- 1980 – The Onslow supplementary reservoir is completed.
- 1980 – The Wellington Regional Council is established.
- 1981 – The Tate lining process is used to reinforce old mains.
- 1981 – Waterloo Pumping Station is completed.
- 1993 – The Wainuiomata Treatment Plant was completed.
