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CONFERENCE: WaterNZ 2011

ABSTRACT:
A case study on New Zealand's first operational vacuum collection system at Kawakawa Bay and the selection process for local authorities considering future systems in NZ.

When faced with the decision as to which wastewater collection system to use, whether for a new scheme, extension to an existing scheme, or replacement of exisiting infrastructure, gravity systems are usually the favoured choice. Yet increasingly, engineers are looking to alternative systems to overcome some of the problems or costs inherent with conventional gravity collection collection systems.

This paper considers two schemes where a vacuum sewerage has been considered as an alternative to conventional gravity. The issues, cost implications and reasons for considering vacuum are explored, along with experience on the recent commissioning of the Kawakawa Bay Vacuum Sewerage Scheme, New Zealand's first municipal vacuum system.

This paper discusses the consenting, technical and public perception issues that had to be overcome in establishing New Zealand's first municipal vacuum collection system and presents some of the lessons learnt.

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