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Settlement on the North Shore began in the late 1800’s with residential development in Devonport, which then spread to Takapuna, Birkenhead and Northcote. By the time the Harbour Bridge opened in 1959 the population on the North Shore had doubled and was estimated to be around 80,000. The North Shore's water supply was originally drawn from Lake Pupuke, which collected rainwater from the surrounding 200-acres within its low crater rim. In 1941 the North Shore Drainage Board was formed and recommended seeking an alternative source of water supply. Auckland City was approached to provide bulk water supply to the North Shore. North Shore Boroughs Water Supply Act Before the bulk water supply from Auckland City, many boroughs were using water from Lake Pupuke and there was a need to coordinate use of the lake. A Board of Health inquiry into the conditions at Lake Pupuke in 1941 resulted in the adoption of the new North Shore Boroughs Water Supply Act. In 1924 alternative sources of water supply were again investigated. The outcome was that Devonport, Takapuna and Northcote all entered into contracts with Auckland City for bulk water supply. Under the provisions of the North Shore Boroughs Act, continued limited use was made of Lake Pupuke and a filtration, treatment and new pumping plant were installed. In 1944, however, control was further rationalised with the introduction of the North Shore Water Conservation Act, which abolished the Water Board and vested control of the lake in Auckland City. Subsequently, work on the treatment plant station was abandoned in favour of full Auckland City supply. The lake supply was maintained as an emergency supply. During the early stages of development, before water was provided by Auckland City, water was supplied to households and businesses from a variety of sources: Devonport: In 1894 Devonport’s water supply was pumped from Lake Pupuke to a reservoir at Mt Victoria. This reservoir remained operational until 1928 when it was designated for stand-by use only. This reservoir is part of the Devonport water supply network today and along with the rest of city is supplied with water purchased from Watercare Services Limited. Northcote: In 1908 Northcote’s water supply came from the western shore of Lake Pupuke. In 1941 in an attempt to obtain better quality water, a deep borehole water supply was brought into service. This was only partly successful but it did provide Northcote residents with adequate water until 1945 when the change to Auckland City bulk supply occurred. Takapuna: From 1910 until 1921 Takapuna was supplied by Northcote. Devonport then took over the Takapuna supply. Birkenhead: In 1910, a pumping station was installed on Lake Pupuke for water supply to service the Birkenhead area. This was completed in 1913 and pumped water to a reservoir at Verran’s Corner until 1934. The Birkenhead Borough then made the change to Auckland City bulk water supply. Since 1959 North Shore City’s water supply line has crossed the Auckland Harbour Bridge. This line originates from Khyber reservoir and is less vulnerable than the now abandoned under-harbour section of the Hobonsville feeder. (Information supplied from Water Supply of Auckland, New Zealand, C W Firth, director of Works, Auckland Regional Authority – December 1967). North Shore City water supply today North Shore City is today supplied by two pipes; one that runs from Watercare Services' Khyber Pass reservoirs under the harbour bridge, and one that runs from Waitakere, across Upper Harbour Drive. The water is then distributed via Watercare Services Limited and North Shore City Council reservoirs and pipes. |
Water
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