Waipapa Warehouse gets a flexible wastewater system From overflowing to future-proof with Econotreat

The Waipapa Warehouse had been struggling with wastewater issues that slowed operations and frustrated staff and visitors alike. The old system, buried deep underground, was riddled with stormwater infiltration and had maxed out its daily capacity. Even moderate rainfall pushed it past its limits, leaving public toilets frequently out of service.

“It wasn’t one fault; it was the way the whole system was set up,” explains Ken Hoyle, WaterFlow. “Stormwater would get in, the plant would overload, and suddenly the toilets were offline. You could patch it, but the same issues would come back.”

Digging deeper wasn’t the answer

Rather than pouring money into repairs, the decision was made to replace the entire drainage network. A traditional like-for-like rebuild would have meant deeper excavation, long drainage runs, and costly site disruptions.

WaterFlow took a smarter approach: install a pump station and design the new treatment system to sit partially above ground.

This shift solved multiple problems at once:

• Maintenance access: Lifting the system closer to the surface makes servicing easier, safer, and more cost-effective.

• Future expansion: Tanks and treatment units can be disconnected and relocated if the warehouse grows or site layout changes.

• Resilience: Stormwater infiltration has been eliminated, so the system can handle demand even in heavy rain.

“We wanted to give them something that worked now, but also something that wouldn’t box them in five or ten years down the line,” says Ken. “The new setup can grow with the site instead of holding it back.”

Smarter dispersal, cleaner outcomes

The irrigation field was also relocated. In its old spot, it limited traffic flow, constrained future works, and didn’t make the most efficient use of treated water. Moving it to a more practical location improved efficiency, freed up space, and ensured treated water is dispersed in an environmentally sound way.

“Good wastewater design isn’t just about the tanks; it’s about how the whole system works with the land around it,” Ken adds. “Now the dispersal area is doing its job without getting in the way.”

When only the big guns will do

To meet the demands of a busy commercial site, WaterFlow selected the Econotreat treatment system — our most capable solution for large-scale, high-flow projects. Four Econotreat tanks were installed, working together to deliver the strength, capacity, and treatment performance the site required.

“For a site like this, nothing else would do the job,” says Ken. “Econotreat gives us the horsepower to handle heavy flows, and the assurance that even under pressure, the system won’t let the client down.”

By combining the capability of Econotreat with a flexible above-ground layout, Waipapa Warehouse now has a wastewater system that not only solves today’s problems but is also built to support future expansion.

Flush results

WaterFlow managed the project end-to-end: design, council consents, installation, commissioning, and ongoing monitoring. This meant no juggling multiple contractors, no red tape headaches, and one point of accountability.

Since the new system went live, the warehouse has seen immediate improvements:

• No infiltration from stormwater

• No capacity limits

• No more toilet outages

Most importantly, the site now has a wastewater system that is flexible, future-proof, and tailored to operational needs.

Ready to rethink your wastewater?

If your business is facing wastewater challenges, WaterFlow can deliver a smarter, future-proof solution. With proven systems like Econotreat and complete project management, we make sure your wastewater supports your growth instead of limiting it.

Talk to the WaterFlow team today and future-proof your site.