Are We Ready for The Big One? Earthquakes and Wellington’s Water Supply

Wellington sits right on top of major fault lines — and it’s not a question of if a major earthquake will strike, but when. One of the city’s biggest vulnerabilities in such an event is its water network.

So how prepared are we, really?

The good news: resilience is now a top priority.

‍

What Could Happen?

In a major seismic event, Wellington’s water system could suffer thousands of breaks and faults. A 7.5+ magnitude earthquake may result in:

• No water access for up to 100 days in some suburbs
• Sewer systems out of action for weeks
• Cut-off supply lines across hills, bays, and the CBD
• Increased risk of illness due to unclean or unavailable water

Wellington Water and Wellington City Council are investing heavily to avoid this outcome — with a focus on preparedness, redundancy, and smarter infrastructure.

‍

Building Resilience: Projects Underway

1. Cross-Harbour Pipeline

This proposed underground pipeline will connect Petone to Miramar, providing a critical backup if the main pipe through the CBD is damaged.

Why it matters:

• Offers an alternative water route to eastern suburbs
• Helps rebalance supply in an emergency
• Becomes a backbone for citywide water distribution post-quake

‍

2. Emergency Water Stations

Wellington is installing 22 emergency water stations across the city. In the event of a disaster, residents will be able to collect treated water from these stations.

Key features:

• Designed to be walkable from most neighbourhoods
• Equipped for long-term use if the mains are down
• Strategically placed in schools, parks, and community hubs

‍

3. Strengthened Reservoirs

Critical reservoirs — including Prince of Wales and Bell Road — are being seismically strengthened. These reinforced reservoirs will:

• Store emergency water for extended outages
• Ensure stable pressure and delivery to nearby communities
• Serve as core infrastructure for disaster recovery

‍

Home Preparedness Still Matters

Even with citywide upgrades, household readiness is crucial. Every Wellingtonian should:

• Store at least 20 litres of water per person for 7 days
• Keep water purification tablets or have a way to boil water
• Know where your closest emergency water station is

You can find official advice and resources at getprepared.nz.

‍

The Long-Term Vision

Building resilient water infrastructure is not just about preparing for “The Big One” — it also helps the city face:

• Climate-related storms and floods
• Increased water demand
• Supply chain disruptions
• And the everyday wear of a growing population

The upgrades happening today are laying the foundation for a future-proof, flexible, and sustainable system.

Wellingtonians are known for their grit and adaptability. With smarter planning, stronger pipes, and community readiness, we can face any emergency — and keep the water flowing when it matters most.

‍