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Meet Keith Woolley

Job: 

Chief Advisor Potable Water (drinking water).

Job description: 

The purpose of this role is to be the key expert in potable water and bring technical leadership to all projects across their lifecycle. 

Work background: 

I have over 30 years' experience in water supply engineering as a consultant, university lecturer and in local government.

Favourite part of job: 

Is delivering drinking water to the Wellington Region and planning so this will continue in the future. It is very satisfying how we deliver 24 hours a day, seven days a week a high-quality product.

Least favourite part of job: 

Is working with low budgets to target great outcomes. This is such a difficult challenge.

What I am working on now: 

I am working on water quality issues across the region and finding solutions. I am also working on our construction programme for the next 3, 10 and 30 years.

A quick story about a job well done: 

My favourite job which was an award-winning job was the implementation of an automation system for the Great Wellington water supply. It was innovative and had a three year pay back to programme and optimise the filling of reservoirs from three water treatment plants for half the regions water supply.

A (humorous) story about a job that went badly and what you learned: 

We were carrying out a pipe inspection in the Wainuiomata catchment one day. It was an old pipe that had deteriorated badly and this particular part was above ground. We got very excited when we found some very corroded pipe (half a meter in diameter) and gave it a boot. The nett result was very thorough shower of water and a badly leaking pipe.

Qualifications: 

Bachelor of Engineering (Civil), Diploma of Business Studies, Chartered Professional Engineer.

Interests outside work: 

Mountain biking, photography, lead lighting, family history and gardening.


Keith Woolley is Chief Potable Water Advisor for Wellington Water. Image: WWL.

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