Several large water and waste projects are under way in Southland District, with a value of about $3.5 million.

Southland District Council project engineer Bevan McKenzie said work will begin on upgrading the Ohai-Nightcaps water supply system soon.

Contracts have been let for the water main upgrade between Ohai and Nightcaps and some additional tank storage at the Nightcaps reservoir site, Mr McKenzie said.

The contract, worth $548,621.75, has been accepted from Te Anau Earth Works Ltd Work also continues on the Edendale-Wyndham water scheme, with Worthington Contracting winning the contract to construct the rising main at a cost of $496,851.72 and Timbertank Enterprises Ltd being awarded the contract to supply and construct the two reservoirs at a cost of $169,400.

Wells are in the process of being drilled and it is aimed to have the scheme operational by the end of March. Various contracts have been awarded for the construction of the treatment plant to a total of $825,647.94.

About 60% of the pipework for the water supply has been laid in Wyndham, with Edendale complete.

Meanwhile, about 80% of the pipework for the new sewerage scheme has been laid in Wyndham and connections to the scheme have begun in Edendale.

The Lumsden Balfour water treatment plant contract has been approved but is waiting for a signed agreement from the Ministry of Health which is expected to be finalised in February. The treatment plant project cost is approximately $1.3 million.

Te Anau Earthworks is in the process of completing the upgrade of the water tank farm for the Lumsden Balfour water supply at a total project cost of $164,000. This work included the disposal of the existing tanks, installation of the new tanks and related pipework.