replaced by plastic materials led by PVC and later the polyethylenes. Steel remained a competitive material for larger diameter mains. Copper was used for small diameter mains and service connections but has been vulnerable to the naturally aggressive water and have largely been replaced (Figure 2.) AC PVC CI/DI Pe Steel CU WAIRAU V SEDDON RIVERLANDS RENWICK PICTON HAVELOCK BLENHEIM AWATERE 0 20,000 40,000 60,000 80,000 100,000 120,000 140,000 160,000 180,000 Mains Length(m) Figure 14 Material composition of the water reticulation Age - The reticulation systems of Blenheim and Picton have evolved with the growth of the settlements they serve. The Awatere water supply project was instigated in 1942 with major extensions in 1958 and 1967. The age profile of the water mains throughout the Marlborough supply areas is shown in Figure 15. The major periods of growth in each of the townships are apparent in the profile. The recorded data suggests that all of the original water mains serving Blenheim prior to 1945 and much of the original reticulation in Picton has been renewed. In practice the transfer of data from the older records has allocated a notional date of 1 January 1960 to pipes if the actual date was unclear. It is estimated there are around 3 kms of mains in each of the areas where this date is likely to be inaccurate and pre-dates the recorded date. A project is to be undertaken during 2012/12 to remedy the recorded installation date. Page 54 aerA