Invercargill will need to pump millions of dollars into replacing an ageing water pipe.
Invercargill City Council's infrastructure and services committee yesterday approved the replacement of about 9km of cement pipe at the end of its serviceable life.
Director of works and service Cameron McIntosh said the pipe ran predominantly through private and reserve land.
"This pipeline is critical to the security of the city's water supply.''
The council considered three options - the first through Donovan Park, Myers Reserve at Waikiwi and Queens Park, at a cost of $4.08 million; the second, avoiding reserve land but contained within roadways, at a cost of $5.33 million; and a third through Donovan Park and Myers Reserve at Waikiwi but avoiding Queens Park, which would cost $4.55 million.
Councillors chose the third option and Cr Lindsay Thomas said it was the choice with "less disruption on residents.''
If approved by the full council, the project could take three years to complete.
