Apex Water completed a substantial upgrade to the wastewater treatment plant at Raglan for Watercare to improve compliance with their wastewater discharge consent along with the removal and reinstatement of the site solar farm.

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The project added a new headworks package and an advanced biological treatment process, including membrane bioreactor (MBR), for an initial design flow of 3.5MLD expandable to greater than 5.25MLD, or about 15,000 people.

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To ensure the programme was as short as possible, the earthworks design was expedited and completed four weeks after the contract was signed.  This enabled Apex to mobilise  immediately after the Christmas break.   Whilst these civil works were being completed onsite, the process, mechanical and electrical designs were progressed to HAZOP and procurement stages.

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During the design process the client opted to incorporate MABR modules into the design to accommodate the future flow requirements without the need for additional costly civil works.  The decision was made to add MABR modules from the outset to achieve the 5.25MLD future capacity target.   The process and M&E design was modified to incorporate this change without disruption to construction timelines.  

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The significant upgrade to the treatment plant was completed ahead of the discharge consent renewal, allowing the plant's performance to be demonstrated and validated.  This innovative approach supports the establishment of new consent conditions and fosters trust among stakeholders, particularly the local community and Iwi groups, who have previously expressed concerns due to non-compliance events.  

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As one of only three sites in New Zealand to integrate MABR technology, this project highlights Apex's commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions.

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